20 For lack of wood a fire goes out.
Without gossip, a quarrel dies down. 21 As coals are to hot embers,
and wood to fire,
so is a contentious man to kindling strife. 22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,
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.