Proverbs 26:21
As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
In context
18 Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death 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. 24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 26:21 in the KJV
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 26:21 in the ESV
As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.