20 Where no wood is, the fire goeth out; and where there is no talebearer, the contention ceaseth. 21 [As] coals for hot coals, and wood for fire, so is a contentious man to inflame strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
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.