20 When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 26:20

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.