Proverbs 26:20
For lack of wood, the fire goes out; 1 and where there is no gossiper quarreling ceases. 1
Unlocked Literal 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
19is the one who deceives his neighbor 1 and says, “Was I not telling a joke?” 1
Cross References
Proverbs 16:28A perverse person stirs up conflict 1 and a gossip separates close friends. 1
Proverbs 26:22The words of a gossip are like delicious morsels; 1 they go down into the inner parts of the body. 1
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 →