21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Other Translations of Proverbs 26:21

New International Version

21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.

English Standard Version

21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

The Message

21 A quarrelsome person in a dispute is like kerosene thrown on a fire.

New King James Version

21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

New Living Translation

21 A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 26:21

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.