Proverbs 26:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

As coals {H6352} are to burning coals {H1513}, and wood {H6086} to fire {H784}; so is a contentious {H4079}{H4066} man {H376} to kindle {H2787} strife {H7379}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As coals are to embers and wood to fire is a quarrelsome person to kindling strife.

Berean Standard Bible

Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

American Standard Version

Ascoals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 26:21 employs a vivid analogy to illustrate the destructive nature of a contentious individual, likening their actions to the fueling of a fire. Just as adding combustible materials intensifies a blaze, so too does a quarrelsome person actively ignite, perpetuate, and escalate conflict and disputes within relationships and communities. The proverb serves as a stark warning against the folly of contention and highlights the active role one plays in fostering either peace or discord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This proverb is situated within a larger collection of "the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out" (Proverbs 25:1). This section, extending through chapter 29, often groups proverbs by theme, offering keen observations on human character, particularly the contrast between wisdom and folly. Proverbs 26 specifically focuses on the characteristics and consequences of foolishness, idleness, and destructive speech. Verse 21 directly follows a proverb about the cessation of strife: "[Where there is] no wood, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth" ([Proverbs 26:20](/proverbs/26-20 "Proverbs 26:20 - The Cessation of Strife")). This immediate juxtaposition emphasizes the active role of an individual in either extinguishing or kindling conflict, presenting the contentious man as the antithesis of one who promotes peace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many communal societies, harmony and peace within the family, clan, and village were highly valued. Strife and contention could disrupt social order, lead to feuds, and undermine the stability of the community. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, frequently addresses the importance of prudent speech and conduct for maintaining social cohesion. Fire, in this context, was a common and powerful metaphor for destructive forces, capable of consuming homes, fields, and even lives. The imagery of "coals" and "wood" fueling a "fire" would have been immediately understood by an agrarian society reliant on fire for warmth, cooking, and light, but also acutely aware of its potential for uncontrolled devastation.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 26:21 contributes to several major themes found throughout the book of Proverbs. Primarily, it underscores **The Destructive Nature of Contention**, depicting strife as a consuming force, much like fire. This aligns with warnings against quarreling found elsewhere, such as in [Proverbs 17:14](/proverbs/17-14 "Proverbs 17:14 - The Beginning of Strife") which advises against letting out water, as it signifies the beginning of contention. Secondly, the proverb highlights the **Active Role in Escalation**, emphasizing that a contentious person is not merely involved in arguments but actively "kindles" them, acting as a catalyst for discord. This contrasts sharply with the call for **Wisdom vs. Folly**, where wisdom involves seeking peace and avoiding unnecessary conflict, while folly is characterized by engaging in or promoting quarrels. The wise person understands that "it is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling" ([Proverbs 20:3](/proverbs/20-3 "Proverbs 20:3 - Honor in Ceasing from Strife")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **coals (Hebrew, _gechel'_):** From H1513, meaning an ember or burning coal. This word, along with H6352 (pechâm), refers to the fuel that already possesses heat or can easily ignite, emphasizing the existing potential for a blaze. The proverb uses this to represent the initial spark or nascent conflict that a contentious person then actively intensifies.
* **contentious (Hebrew, _midyân'_):** From H4079, a variation of H4066 (mâdôwn), meaning a contest or quarrel; brawling, contention(-ous), discord, strife. This term describes a person whose nature or habitual behavior is characterized by disputing, quarreling, and creating discord. It's not just someone who gets into an argument, but one who is prone to it, perhaps even seeking it out.
* **kindle (Hebrew, _chârar'_):** From H2787, a primitive root meaning to glow, literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion); to be angry, burn, dry, kindle. This verb powerfully conveys the active, intentional, and often passionate act of stoking a fire or inciting a quarrel. It implies a deliberate effort to intensify the heat of a situation, moving it from a smolder to a raging inferno.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire":** This initial clause establishes the **simile**, setting up the natural process of intensifying a fire. "Coals to burning coals" suggests adding more fuel to an already existing heat source, while "wood to fire" implies feeding a growing blaze. Both images convey the idea of augmentation, escalation, and the deliberate act of providing what is necessary for a destructive force to grow. It highlights that the contentious person doesn't create conflict out of nothing, but rather takes existing tension or minor disagreements and fuels them.
* **"so is a contentious man to kindle strife":** This second clause completes the **analogy**, directly comparing the contentious man's actions to the fueling of a fire. The "contentious man" (Hebrew: _'ish midyan_ - a man of contention) is someone whose character is marked by quarrelsomeness. To "kindle strife" (Hebrew: _lacharish riv_ - to make strife hot, to inflame contention) means to actively provoke, inflame, and escalate disagreements. This person is not merely a participant in conflict but is the active agent who ensures it grows and consumes, turning small disputes into major conflagrations.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Proverbs 26:21 is a powerful **Simile**, explicitly marked by the "As... so..." construction. This simile draws a clear parallel between the physical act of fueling a fire and the relational act of a contentious person escalating conflict. The proverb employs vivid **Imagery** related to fire—"coals," "burning coals," "wood," and "fire"—to evoke a sense of destructive power and rapid consumption. This imagery creates a strong visual and emotional impact, making the consequences of contention tangible and alarming. The proverb also uses **Analogy**, where the relationship between fuel and fire is mirrored in the relationship between a contentious person and strife. This analogy helps to simplify a complex behavioral pattern into an easily understandable and memorable truth, emphasizing the direct cause-and-effect relationship between a quarrelsome nature and the proliferation of discord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 26:21 profoundly underscores the biblical emphasis on peace, wisdom, and the responsible use of speech. The contentious man, by actively kindling strife, stands in direct opposition to the divine call for harmony and unity among God's people. This proverb teaches that true wisdom involves not only avoiding conflict but also actively de-escalating it, recognizing that unchecked contention can destroy relationships, communities, and personal well-being. It highlights the moral responsibility each individual has for the atmosphere they create, whether one of peace or discord, and implicitly calls believers to be agents of reconciliation rather than instigators of division.

* [Proverbs 15:18](/proverbs/15-18 "Proverbs 15:18 - A Wrathful Man Stirs Up Strife")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All Men")
* [James 3:5](/james/3-5 "James 3:5-6 - The Power of the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb serves as a powerful mirror for self-reflection, urging us to examine our own tendencies in interpersonal relationships. Do we, perhaps unconsciously, act as "kindlers of strife," adding fuel to the fires of disagreement, or do we seek to be peacemakers? In a world increasingly fragmented by division and quick to anger, the wisdom of Proverbs 26:21 is more relevant than ever. It challenges us to consider the impact of our words and actions, especially in heated discussions or online interactions where anonymity can embolden contentious behavior. Cultivating a spirit of peace requires intentionality: choosing to listen rather than react, to understand rather than condemn, and to forgive rather than retaliate. It means recognizing that not every disagreement needs to escalate into a full-blown conflict, and that sometimes, the wisest course of action is to walk away from the flame.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations or relationships do I tend to "kindle strife" rather than de-escalate it?**
* **What are the underlying motivations or emotions that might lead me to provoke or escalate conflict?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a spirit of peace and reconciliation in my daily interactions, both in person and online?**
* **What boundaries do I need to set with individuals who consistently act as "contentious men" in my life?**

### FAQ
**What are the characteristics of a "contentious man" according to this proverb?**

Answer: A "contentious man" is someone whose very nature or habitual behavior is characterized by quarreling, disputing, and creating discord. This proverb specifically highlights that such an individual actively "kindles strife," meaning they are not merely participants in arguments but are catalysts who provoke, inflame, and escalate disagreements. They are like fuel to a fire, ensuring that conflict grows and intensifies, often turning small tensions into significant disputes, as seen in the broader context of [Proverbs 26](/proverbs/26 "Proverbs 26 - Characteristics of Fools and Contentious People").

**How does this proverb relate to the concept of peacemaking in the Bible?**

Answer: Proverbs 26:21 provides a stark contrast to the biblical call for peacemaking. While the contentious man actively fuels discord, the Bible consistently exhorts believers to be peacemakers. For example, [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers") declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Similarly, [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Living Peaceably") encourages, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." This proverb serves as a warning against the opposite behavior, urging individuals to avoid being the source of division and instead to pursue harmony.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 26:21, in its vivid depiction of the contentious man as a kindler of strife, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who stands as the antithesis of contention and the supreme Peacemaker. While the contentious man ignites division, Jesus came to bring reconciliation, not only between God and humanity but also among people. He is the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")), whose very life exemplified humility, self-sacrifice, and a refusal to engage in worldly quarrels. When faced with opposition, He did not "kindle strife" but "when he was reviled, reviled not again" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). His ultimate act of peacemaking was on the cross, where He "made peace through the blood of his cross" ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")), breaking down the "middle wall of partition" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) that caused contention between Jew and Gentile, and ultimately between humanity and God. Believers, being "in Christ," are called to embody this same spirit, becoming "ambassadors for Christ," with the message of reconciliation ([2 Corinthians 5:18-20](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - Ambassadors for Christ")), actively seeking to extinguish the fires of strife rather than igniting them, and living out the peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")).

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 29:22

¶ An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

Proverbs 15:18

¶ A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Proverbs 10:12

¶ Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Proverbs 30:33

Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

1 Kings 12:20

And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.

1 Kings 12:2

And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard [of it], (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)

1 Kings 12:3

That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying,