Proverbs 26:21

21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.

Proverbs 26:21 in Other Translations

KJV
21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
ESV
21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
NLT
21 A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.
MSG
21 A quarrelsome person in a dispute is like kerosene thrown on a fire.
CSB
21 As charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

Proverbs 26:21 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 26:21

As coals [are] to burning coals, and wood to fire
As brands, wood half burnt, or dead coals put to live and burning ones, soon take fire and become like them, and fit and proper fuel for them, and add to their heat: so [is] a contentious man to kindle strife;
or "a man of contentions" {k}; who is given to it, is full of it; it is agreeable to his natural temper and disposition; he is in his element when at it; such a man is as fuel to the fire, as a dead coal to a living one, which increases the heat of it; so does he, he kindles and spreads the flame of contention and strife.


FOOTNOTES:

F11 (Mynwdm vya) "vir contentionum", Montanus, Baynus, Piscator, Gejerus.

Proverbs 26:21 In-Context

19 is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”
20 Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
23 Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Proverbs 14:17; Proverbs 15:18
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.