Proverbs 26:21

21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle 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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Proverbs 26:21 In-Context

19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, "I was only joking!"

20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.

23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.