Proverbs 26:20
With much wood fire increases; but where there is not a double-minded man, strife ceases.
LXX2012 (British)
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 are all that lay wait for their own friends, and when they are revealed, say, I did it in jest.
21A hearth for coals, and wood for fire; and railing man for the tumult of strife.
Cross References
Proverbs 16:28A perverse man spreads mischief, and will kindle a torch of deceit with mischiefs; and he separates friends.
Proverbs 26:22The words of cunning knaves are soft; but they strike even to the inmost parts of the bowels.
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 →