What is the meaning of Proverbs 26:20? Without wood, a fire goes out – Solomon starts with an everyday fact. Take away fuel and the flames die. No exceptions. – The literal picture reminds us that God’s created order is dependable (Genesis 8:22). What He built into nature still preaches truth. – Notice how other passages use the same image: Proverbs 26:21 ties quarrels to embers and wood; James 3:5-6 calls the tongue “a fire”; Isaiah 9:18 shows sin blazing like dry brush. Each confirms that the physical law of combustion mirrors a moral law. – Practical takeaway: • When we see sparks of conflict, we can choose to remove the “wood.” • Just as firefighters starve a blaze of oxygen, believers starve strife of fuel by stepping back, refusing to stoke it, and trusting God’s promise that “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Without gossip, a conflict ceases – The second line applies the fire illustration to speech. “Gossip” refers to whispering, tale-bearing, rumor-spreading—words that ignite tension. Proverbs 16:28 says such talk “separates close friends,” and Proverbs 26:22 describes it as tasty morsels people love to swallow. – Remove that ingredient and “a conflict ceases.” The statement is as literal as the first. The flare-ups stop when the gossip stops. – Scripture consistently backs this up: • Proverbs 17:14 urges dropping a matter before a dispute breaks out. • Ephesians 4:29 commands language that “builds up,” not tears down. • 2 Corinthians 12:20 lists gossip alongside jealousy and rage—sins that fracture fellowship. – Practical choices that remove gossip-fuel: • Refuse to pass along unverified or hurtful stories. • Redirect conversations toward truth and grace (Colossians 4:6). • Confront issues directly with the person involved, following Matthew 18:15-16. summary Proverbs 26:20 is straightforward: starve a fire of wood and it dies; starve conflict of gossip and it ends. God’s Word presents both the physical and relational laws as equally trustworthy. When believers consciously refuse to fuel strife with whispering words, the blaze of discord fades and peace is restored—exactly as the Lord declares. |
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