Proverbs 26:20
What does Proverbs 26:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 26:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 26:20 means
This proverb uses the imagery of fire needing fuel to illustrate a spiritual truth: just as a fire eventually dies without wood, so too does conflict cease when there is no one to stir it up with gossip and tale-bearing. The "whisperer" refers to a slanderer or one who secretly spreads rumors, creating division. The verse implies that such individuals are the primary fuel for quarrels and strife within a community or among individuals. When the source of discord—the whisperer’s malicious words—is removed, contention naturally extinguishes itself, promoting peace and harmony. It highlights the destructive power of gossip and the importance of avoiding it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Without wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no secret talk, argument is ended.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Without wood is fire going out, And without a tale-bearer, contention ceaseth,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752When the wood faileth, the fire shall go out: and when the talebearer is taken away, contentions shall cease.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Where no wood is, the fire goeth out; and where there is no talebearer, the contention ceaseth.
Context
Proverbs 26 primarily focuses on describing fools, sluggards, and busybodies, painting vivid pictures of their characteristics and the detrimental effects of their behavior. This particular verse (26:20) fits within a section that warns against the dangers of various forms of foolish speech and deceit. It immediately follows verses that speak to deceitful lips and a wicked heart (26:23-26), and precedes further warnings against lying and flattering speech (26:28). The chapter, in general, offers practical wisdom on how to identify and deal with mischievous individuals, with this verse specifically addressing the critical role of the slanderer in fueling conflict.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 26:22
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
- James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire: the world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the wheel of nature, and is set on fire by hell.
- Proverbs 22:10
Cast out the scoffer, and contention will go out; Yea, strife and ignominy will cease.
- Proverbs 16:28
A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends.
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