Proverbs 26:20
Where there is no wood, the fire goeth out; So, where there is no talebearer, contention ceaseth.
Noyes Bible
In The King James Version
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
In Context
19So is the man who deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, “Was I not in sport?”
21As coal is for heat, and as wood for fire, So is a contentious man for kindling strife.
Cross References
Proverbs 16:28A deceitful man stirreth up strife, And a whisperer separateth friends.
Proverbs 26:22The words of a talebearer are like dainties; For they go down to the innermost parts of the body.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 26:19-20
18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? See here, 1. How mischievous those are that make no scruple of deceiving their neighbours; they are as madmen that cast firebrands, arrows, and death, so much hurt may they do by their deceits. They value themselves upon it as polite cunning men, but really they are as madmen. There is not a greater madness in the world than a wilful sin. It is not only the passionate furious man,… Read the whole commentary →