Proverbs 26:20
Proverbs 26:20 in Multiple Translations
Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
Without wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no secret talk, argument is ended.
Without wood, the fire goes out; and without gossips, arguments stop.
Without wood the fire is quenched, and without a talebearer strife ceaseth.
Without wood is fire going out, And without a tale-bearer, contention ceaseth,
For lack of wood a fire goes out. Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no tale-bearer, the strife ceaseth.
When the wood faileth, the fire shall go out: and when the talebearer is taken away, contentions shall cease.
If there is no more firewood to put on the fire, the fire will go out; similarly [SIM], if there are no people who ◄gossip/tell people things that are not true►, quarreling will end.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 26:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/אֶ֣פֶס
עֵ֭צִים
תִּכְבֶּה
אֵ֑שׁ
וּ/בְ/אֵ֥ין
נִ֝רְגָּ֗ן
יִשְׁתֹּ֥ק
מָדֽוֹן
בְּ/אֶ֣פֶס
ʼepheç
H657
end
Prep | N-ms
עֵ֭צִים
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-mp
תִּכְבֶּה
kâbâh
H3518
to quench
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אֵ֑שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
וּ/בְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Prep | Part
נִ֝רְגָּ֗ן
nirgân
H5372
whisperer
V-Niphal
יִשְׁתֹּ֥ק
shâthaq
H8367
be quiet
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מָדֽוֹן
mâdôwn
H4066
strife
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:20
בְּ/אֶ֣פֶס
ʼepheç
H657
"end"
Prep | N-ms
This word can mean the soles of the feet or the ankles, but it can also mean an end or a stop to something. In Deuteronomy 28:35, it describes a curse that will afflict the Israelites from the soles of their feet to the top of their head.
Definition: 1) ceasing, end, finality 2) expressing non-existence
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: ankle, but (only), end, howbeit, less than nothing, nevertheless (where), no, none (beside), not (any, -withstanding), thing of nought, save(-ing), there, uttermost part, want, without (cause). See also: Numbers 13:28; Isaiah 5:8; Psalms 2:8.
עֵ֭צִים
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
N-mp
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
תִּכְבֶּה
kâbâh
H3518
"to quench"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To quench means to put out or extinguish something, like a fire or a flame, as seen in Ezekiel 20:47 where God warns of a fire that will not be quenched. It can also refer to satisfying a desire or need.
Definition: 1) to quench, put out, be put out, be quenched, be extinguished 1a) (Qal) to be quenched, be extinguished 1b) (Piel) to quench, extinguish
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: go (put) out, quench. See also: Leviticus 6:5; Isaiah 34:10; Proverbs 26:20.
אֵ֑שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
וּ/בְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Prep | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
נִ֝רְגָּ֗ן
nirgân
H5372
"whisperer"
V-Niphal
A whisperer or slanderer is someone who murmurs or backbites, spreading rumors and gossip, as seen in the Bible's warnings against talebearers.
Definition: 1) to murmur, whisper 1a) murmurers 1b) backbite, slander, talebearer, backbiter
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: talebearer, whisperer. See also: Proverbs 16:28; Proverbs 26:20; Proverbs 18:8.
יִשְׁתֹּ֥ק
shâthaq
H8367
"be quiet"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to be quiet or calm, like a peaceful silence. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of stillness, as in Psalm 107:29.
Definition: (Qal) to be quiet, be silent
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: be calm, cease, be quiet. See also: Psalms 107:30; Jonah 1:11; Proverbs 26:20.
מָדֽוֹן
mâdôwn
H4066
"strife"
N-ms
This word signifies strife or contention, describing a state of conflict or argument, as seen in KJV translations like brawling or discord. It is often used to describe disagreements or quarrels between people.
Definition: 1) strife, contention 1a) strife, contention 1b) object of contention
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: brawling, contention(-ous), discord, strife. Compare H4079 (מִדְיָן), H4090 (מְדָן). See also: Psalms 80:7; Proverbs 23:29; Proverbs 6:14.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:20
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:20
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
18Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,
19so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”
20Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.
21Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. 22The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 22:10 | Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease. |
| 2 | James 3:6 | The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:28 | A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends. |
| 4 | Proverbs 26:22 | The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. |
Proverbs 26:20 Summary
[This verse teaches us that just like a fire needs wood to keep burning, gossip and conflict need something to keep them going. By avoiding gossip, we can help stop conflicts and promote peace, as the Bible encourages us to do in places like Proverbs 15:1. It reminds us that our words have power, as seen in Ephesians 4:29, and we should use them to build each other up, not tear each other down. By choosing not to gossip, we can be part of the solution, bringing peace and harmony to our relationships and communities, reflecting the heart of Jesus who taught us to love one another.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse mean by 'without wood, a fire goes out'?
This phrase is a metaphor that illustrates how a fire needs fuel to keep burning, just like gossip and conflict need fuel to continue, as seen in Proverbs 26:20 and supported by the idea that our words have power in Ephesians 4:29.
Is gossip always bad according to the Bible?
Yes, gossip is generally viewed negatively in the Bible, as it can lead to conflict and harm relationships, as seen in Proverbs 26:20 and also in Proverbs 11:13 where it talks about a talebearer revealing secrets.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
By being mindful of the words we speak and avoiding gossip, we can help prevent conflicts and promote peace, as encouraged in Proverbs 12:18 and James 1:26, which reminds us that controlling our tongue is crucial.
What is the relationship between gossip and conflict in this verse?
According to Proverbs 26:20, gossip is a key factor in fueling conflict, implying that when gossip stops, conflicts are more likely to cease, a principle also reflected in the importance of gentle and peaceful communication in Matthew 5:9.
Reflection Questions
- How do my words impact those around me, and am I contributing to conflict or peace?
- In what ways can I practically apply the principle of avoiding gossip in my daily interactions?
- What are some common situations where gossip tends to arise, and how can I prepare myself to respond differently?
- How does understanding the power of words in Proverbs 26:20 influence my decision to speak or remain silent in various situations?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:20
Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out,.... Or "woods" (h); where there is a large quantity of wood or fuel, the fire is kept up; but where there is little, scarce any or none at all, it goes
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:20
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:20
Tale-bearer, to carry such reports from one to another as may provoke them to mutual rage and strife.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:20
Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.Ver. 20. Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out.] Lignis ignis conservatur. So is strife by evil tongues; these are the devil’ s bellows and boutefeaus. "Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble, your breath as fire shall devour you." Such is the breath of tale bearers. A curfew bell would do well for these incendiaries, that else may "set on fire the whole course of nature."
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:20
Verse 20. Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out] The tale-receiver and the tale-bearer are the agents of discord. If none received the slander in the first instance, it could not be propagated. Hence our proverb, "The receiver is as bad as the thief." And our laws treat them equally; for the receiver of stolen goods, knowing them to be stolen, is hanged, as well as he who stole them.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:20
20. talebearer] Rather, whisperer, as the word is rendered in Proverbs 16:28. The Vulg. has susurro here and in Proverbs 26:22 below, but verbosus in Proverbs 16:28, and bilinguis in Proverbs 18:8. The LXX. have here δίθυμος, a man of strife or discord, but in Proverbs 26:22, κέρκωψ, a jackanapes.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:20
20. No wood is — No more wood, that is, when wood fails. Talebearer — A tattler, whisperer, or garrulous person.
Sermons on Proverbs 26:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Hard-Heartedness in the Body of Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of daily prayer and Bible reading. He warns the congregation about the impending hard times and chaos that will come to the c |
|
No Root, No Fruit by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Luke chapter 13 and discusses a parable told by Jesus about a fruitless tree in a vineyard. The speaker interprets this parable as a represen |
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Relationships With Fools Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the issue of lawlessness and violence in society, particularly drive-by shootings. He expresses his frustration and weariness with the |
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Gracious Speech by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the tongue and the impact our words can have. He shares a personal experience of how a small spark from his mouth caused fires t |
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Woe, Lo, and Go - Part 4 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgent need for personal cleansing and purity before God, as exemplified by the prophet's cry of being undone and having filthy lips. He highlights |
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1 Timothy 4:12 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praising God for the many answers to prayer and professions of faith that have occurred through various ministries. He then references the boo |
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Beyond the Surface by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith and the impact it should have on a person's life. He warns against the deception that can come from |