Proverbs 26:20
Without wood a fire is quenched, and, where there is no tattler, strife is hushed.
The Emphasised Bible by J. B. Rotherham
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 a man who deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Was not, I, in sport?
21Black coal to burning blocks, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man, for kindling strife.
Cross References
Proverbs 16:28A perverse man, sendeth forth strife, and, a tattler, separateth intimate friends.
Proverbs 26:22the words of a tattler, are dainties, they, therefore go down into the chambers of the inner man.
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 →