Proverbs 26:21
As coal is for heat, and as wood for fire, So is a contentious man for kindling strife.
Noyes Bible
In The King James Version
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
In Context
20Where there is no wood, the fire goeth out; So, where there is no talebearer, contention ceaseth.
22The words of a talebearer are like dainties; For they go down to the innermost parts of the body.
Cross References
Proverbs 10:12Hatred stirreth up strife; But love covereth all offences.
Proverbs 29:22An angry man stirreth up strife, And a passionate man aboundeth in transgression.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 26:21-23
20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. 21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Contention is as a fire; it heats the spirit, burns up all that is good, and puts families and societies into a flame. Now here we are told how that fire is commonly kindled and kept burning, that we may avoid the occasions… Read the whole commentary →