20 For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth. 21 [As] coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife. 22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 26:20-22
Commentary on Proverbs 26:20-22
(Read Proverbs 26:20-22)
Contention heats the spirit, and puts families and societies into a flame. And that fire is commonly kindled and kept burning by whisperers and backbiters.