20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no [a]talebearer, strife ceases.
21 (A)As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a [b]talebearer are like [c]tasty trifles,
And they go down into the [d]inmost body.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 26:20 gossip or slanderer, lit. whisperer
  2. Proverbs 26:22 gossip or slanderer
  3. Proverbs 26:22 A Jewish tradition wounds
  4. Proverbs 26:22 Lit. rooms of the belly

20 Without wood a fire goes out;
    without a gossip a quarrel dies down.(A)
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
    so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.(B)
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
    they go down to the inmost parts.(C)

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