Proverbs 26:21
As coals are to hot embers, 2 and wood to fire, 2 so is a contentious man to kindling strife. 1
One Unity Resource 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
20For lack of wood a fire goes out. 2 Without gossip, a quarrel dies down. 1
22The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, 2 they go down into the innermost parts. 1
Cross References
Proverbs 10:12Hatred stirs up strife, 2 but love covers all rebellious breaches of relationships. + 10:12. Quoted in James 5:20; 1 Pet 4:8 1
Proverbs 29:22An angry man stirs up strife, 2 and a wrathful man abounds in rebellious breach of relationships. 1
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 →