What is the meaning of Proverbs 26:21?

Like charcoal for embers

• Charcoal, once glowing, needs only a little nudge—air or added fuel—to flare up again.

• Scripture often pictures the tongue or heart as a “spark” (James 3:5–6). Like charcoal, a hurtful word left smoldering can reignite conflict.

• Proverbs 17:14 warns, “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” The lesson: leave no “live coals” of offense unattended.

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and wood for fire

• Fresh wood supplies oxygen and mass to keep flames alive; without it, fire dies (Proverbs 26:20).

• Likewise, rumors, gossip, and irritation become the “wood” that sustains contention.

• Proverbs 16:28 notes, “A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.” Each added complaint is another log on the blaze.

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so is a quarrelsome man

• Some people carry an argumentative spirit, igniting every room they enter (Proverbs 29:22).

• Hallmarks of the quarrelsome:

– Quick to speak, slow to listen (contrast James 1:19).

– Seeks victory, not understanding (Proverbs 18:2).

– Keeps score of wrongs (opposite of 1 Corinthians 13:5).

• A single quarrelsome individual can transform ordinary tension into open hostility, much as a single match lights dry tinder.

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for kindling strife

• “Kindling” is purpose-built to start fires. Strife is not accidental when a quarrelsome person is present; it is the predictable outcome.

• Paul urges, “If it is possible…live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18)—the antidote to constant friction.

• 1 Timothy 6:4 links pride to “envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions.” Root issue: a heart not yet surrendered to Christ’s humility (Philippians 2:3).

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summary

Charcoal and wood illustrate how readily an existing spark becomes a roaring blaze when fuel is added. In the same way, a quarrelsome person supplies the material that keeps conflict burning. Wisdom calls us to remove the fuel—gossip, pride, harsh words—and pursue peace, so that smoldering tensions die out rather than erupt into destructive fire.