Proverbs 26:20

KJV

¶ Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Where no {H657} wood {H6086} is, there the fire {H784} goeth out {H3518}: so where there is no talebearer {H5372}, the strife {H4066} ceaseth {H8367}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If there's no wood, the fire goes out; if nobody gossips, contention stops.

Berean Standard Bible

Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.

American Standard Version

For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 26:20 employs a vivid natural metaphor to illustrate the principle that conflict, like a fire, requires a constant source of fuel to persist. It asserts that just as a fire extinguishes without wood, so too does contention and discord cease in the absence of a "talebearer"—one who spreads gossip, slander, or divisive information. This proverb underscores the profound power of speech to either ignite and perpetuate strife or, by its absence, to allow peace and harmony to prevail within relationships and communities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 26 is largely dedicated to the characteristics and dangers associated with fools, sluggards, and, particularly relevant to this verse, those who engage in deceptive and harmful speech. The verses immediately preceding discuss the danger of a "meddler" (v. 17), the deceit of a "mad man who casts firebrands, arrows, and death" (vv. 18-19), and the destructive nature of lies. This proverb directly follows a warning against deceptive speech, emphasizing that a person who "deceives his neighbor" (v. 19) is akin to a madman. Verse 20 then shifts to the specific role of the "talebearer" as the primary instigator of strife, leading into further warnings about flattering lips and hidden malice (vv. 21-28). The analogy of fire and fuel is a common theme in Proverbs, often used to describe the destructive power of the tongue, as seen in [Proverbs 16:27](/proverbs/16-27 "The Scorching Tongue") and [Proverbs 26:21](/proverbs/26-21 "A Contentious Man Kindles Strife").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, oral communication was the primary means of information dissemination. Reputation and honor were paramount, making slander and gossip particularly damaging to an individual's standing within the community. The close-knit nature of villages and tribes meant that a "talebearer" could quickly sow discord and destroy relationships, leading to significant social breakdown. Disputes often escalated without formal legal recourse for every minor offense, making the prevention of strife through wise speech a critical aspect of social order. The imagery of fire and wood would have been universally understood, as fire was essential for cooking, warmth, and light, but also a constant danger, capable of rapid and widespread destruction if not carefully managed.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to the broader themes of the book of Proverbs, particularly concerning the **power of the tongue** and the **pursuit of peace**. It highlights that words are not neutral; they possess immense power to either build up or tear down. The "talebearer" embodies the destructive potential of speech, directly fueling "strife" (Hebrew: _mâdôwn_, contention or quarreling), a recurring negative theme in Proverbs, contrasting with the wisdom that leads to harmony and order. The proverb also implicitly promotes **personal responsibility** in guarding one's speech and actively disengaging from gossip, thereby fostering a community characterized by peace rather than perpetual conflict. The concept of wisdom in Proverbs often involves understanding cause and effect, and here, the cause (talebearer) and effect (strife) are clearly delineated, offering a practical guide for righteous living.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wood (Hebrew, _ʻêts'_):** From a root meaning firmness, this term refers to a tree or, more commonly in this context, wood, sticks, or timber. In the proverb, "wood" functions as the essential fuel for fire, illustrating the necessary element that sustains a destructive force. Just as fire cannot persist without its physical fuel, strife cannot continue without its specific catalyst.
* **goeth out (Hebrew, _kâbâh'_):** A primitive root meaning to expire or, causatively, to extinguish. It describes the cessation of fire or light. Here, it vividly portrays the natural consequence of removing the fuel source: the fire simply dies. This word emphasizes the inevitability of strife ending when its source of sustenance is removed.
* **talebearer (Hebrew, _nirgân'_):** Derived from an unused root implying "to roll to pieces," this word denotes a slanderer, whisperer, or one who murmurs. It describes a person who spreads malicious or divisive reports, often covertly, with the intent or effect of sowing discord. The _nirgân_ is the human equivalent of "wood" for the "fire" of strife.
* **strife (Hebrew, _mâdôwn'_):** From a root meaning "to judge" or "to contend," this term signifies a contest, quarrel, brawling, contention, or discord. It represents the destructive outcome of the talebearer's actions. The proverb posits that this contention, like fire, is not self-sustaining but requires an external source—the talebearer—to keep it burning.
* **ceaseth (Hebrew, _shâthaq'_):** A primitive root meaning to subside, be calm, or be quiet. It describes the cessation or quieting of something, in this case, strife. This word highlights the desired outcome of removing the talebearer: peace and quiet replace conflict and noise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out":** This initial clause establishes a universal natural law. Fire, despite its intensity and destructive potential, is entirely dependent on a fuel source (wood) for its existence and continuation. Without this fuel, the fire naturally and inevitably extinguishes itself. This serves as the foundational metaphor for the second part of the proverb, illustrating a principle of dependency and cessation.
* **"so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth":** This second clause applies the natural law to human relationships and social dynamics. The "talebearer" (one who spreads gossip, slander, or divisive information) is directly equated with the "wood" that fuels a fire. "Strife" (contention, quarreling, discord) is the "fire." The proverb asserts that just as fire dies without wood, so too does conflict and discord naturally dissipate and cease when the person who fuels it through malicious or divisive speech is removed or silenced. It highlights the direct causal link between the talebearer's actions and the perpetuation of strife.

#### Literary Devices
The proverb employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Analogy** or **Simile**, explicitly stated by the "so" (כֵּן, _kēn_) which draws a direct parallel between the physical phenomenon of fire needing wood and the social phenomenon of strife needing a talebearer. This analogy makes the abstract concept of social discord tangible and easily understood. The proverb also uses **Metaphor**, where the "talebearer" is metaphorically the "wood" and "strife" is the "fire," creating a vivid image of how gossip fuels conflict. There is an element of **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, as the proverb presents two opposing states: the presence of fuel/talebearer leading to fire/strife, versus the absence of fuel/talebearer leading to the cessation of fire/strife. This stark contrast underscores the clear cause-and-effect relationship. Finally, the proverb exhibits **Conciseness** and **Parallelism**, characteristic of Hebrew wisdom literature, delivering a profound truth in a memorable and impactful two-part structure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 26:20 powerfully articulates a fundamental principle of relational theology: peace and harmony are not merely the absence of conflict, but the result of actively removing its instigators. The proverb underscores the profound moral responsibility associated with speech, elevating it beyond mere communication to a force capable of shaping community and individual well-being. The "talebearer" is not just a nuisance but an agent of destruction, whose words, like kindling, ignite and sustain the destructive flames of discord. Conversely, the cessation of strife when the talebearer is absent points to the divine desire for peace (_shalom_) within human relationships, a state that requires intentional guarding of the tongue and a refusal to participate in or perpetuate gossip. This wisdom aligns with the broader biblical call to peacemaking and the pursuit of righteousness in all interactions.

* [Proverbs 16:28](/proverbs/16-28 "A Froward Man Sows Strife")
* [James 3:5-6](/james/3-5 "The Tongue as a Fire")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Live Peaceably with All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb offers profound practical wisdom for navigating our daily interactions and fostering healthy communities. It challenges us to examine our own role in the spread or cessation of conflict. Am I, perhaps unknowingly, serving as "wood" for the "fire" of strife by engaging in gossip, spreading unverified information, or speaking carelessly about others? The call is not merely to avoid being a talebearer, but to actively become a peacemaker by refusing to participate in conversations that fuel division. This means exercising discernment, choosing silence over slander, and redirecting conversations toward edification rather than destruction. When we encounter conflict, this proverb encourages us to look beyond the immediate symptoms to identify and address the root cause—often, the malicious or divisive communication that keeps the "fire" burning. By starving the fire of its fuel, we create space for reconciliation, understanding, and the flourishing of genuine fellowship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, intentionally or unintentionally, contribute to "strife" by my words or by listening to gossip?**
* **How can I actively refuse to be "wood" for the "fire" of conflict in my family, workplace, or community?**
* **What steps can I take to promote peace and unity by guarding my tongue and encouraging edifying communication?**

### FAQ
**What is a "talebearer" in the biblical sense?**

Answer: In the biblical context, particularly in Proverbs, a "talebearer" (Hebrew: _nirgân_) is far more than someone who simply tells stories. The term refers to a whisperer, slanderer, or one who murmurs and causes dissension. This individual actively spreads malicious, divisive, or unverified information, often covertly, with the express purpose or inevitable effect of sowing discord and strife among people. They are the human equivalent of the "wood" that fuels the "fire" of conflict, as seen in [Proverbs 26:20](/proverbs/26-20 "The Talebearer and Strife") and [Proverbs 16:28](/proverbs/16-28 "A Froward Man Sows Strife").

**How does this proverb relate to modern communication, especially social media?**

Answer: Proverbs 26:20 is remarkably relevant to modern communication, especially in the age of social media. Digital platforms can amplify the role of the "talebearer" exponentially. Misinformation, gossip, and divisive narratives can spread globally in an instant, fueling "strife" on a massive scale. Just as a fire needs wood, online conflict often thrives on shares, likes, and comments that perpetuate rumors or inflammatory statements. The proverb calls us to be discerning consumers and producers of information, recognizing that our digital words, like spoken ones, have the power to either build or destroy. Actively choosing not to engage with or spread divisive content is equivalent to removing the "wood," allowing the "fire" of online contention to "go out." This principle applies to all forms of communication, urging us to consider the impact of our words before we speak or post.

**Does "ceaseth" imply that strife will disappear entirely, or just subside?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "ceaseth" (H8367, _shâthaq_) means to subside, be calm, or be quiet. It implies that the strife will indeed come to an end or at least significantly diminish. Just as a fire doesn't merely lessen but eventually extinguishes when its fuel is removed, so too does the proverb suggest that conflict, when deprived of its primary instigator, will naturally dissipate. It doesn't promise a utopian absence of all disagreement, but rather the cessation of the kind of ongoing, fueled "strife" that a talebearer perpetuates. The proverb offers a hopeful promise that peace can prevail when the source of malicious gossip is removed, allowing relationships and communities to return to a state of calm.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 26:20, with its stark imagery of fire and fuel, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the very embodiment of peace and truth, and the antithesis of the talebearer. While the talebearer fuels strife with divisive words, Jesus is the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Prince of Peace"), whose words bring reconciliation and healing. He did not engage in gossip or slander; rather, His speech was always redemptive, even when confronting sin. The "strife" that humanity experiences is ultimately rooted in sin, which separates us from God and from one another. Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice, became the ultimate "wood" for a different kind of fire—the fire of divine judgment against sin—but in doing so, He extinguished the fire of eternal condemnation for those who believe, bringing about true and lasting peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Peace with God Through Christ")). Furthermore, Jesus' life and teachings model how to live without fueling strife; He taught His disciples to [love their enemies](/matthew/5-44 "Love Your Enemies") and to [seek reconciliation](/matthew/5-23 "Reconciliation Before Worship"). The Holy Spirit, given by Christ, empowers believers to [put away all malice, slander, and evil speaking](/ephesians/4-31 "Put Away Bitterness and Slander"), enabling them to be peacemakers who, by guarding their tongues and speaking truth in love, allow the "strife" of the world to "cease" in their spheres of influence, reflecting the [peace of Christ](/colossians/3-15 "Let the Peace of Christ Rule") that rules in their hearts.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 22:10

¶ Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

James 3:6

And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Proverbs 16:28

A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Proverbs 26:22

The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.