King James Version

What Does Proverbs 26:20 Mean?

Proverbs 26:20 in the King James Version says “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Where no: Heb. Without ...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Where no: Heb. Without wood talebearer: or, whisperer ceaseth: Heb. is silent”

Proverbs 26:20 · KJV

Context

18

As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, firebrands: Heb. flames, or, sparks

19

So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

20

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Where no: Heb. Without wood talebearer: or, whisperer ceaseth: Heb. is silent

21

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

22

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. innermost: Heb. chambers

Read Proverbs 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Where no wood is, fire goes out; where there's no talebearer, strife ceases. The Hebrew 'nir gan' (whisperer/talebearer) and 'shahaq' (quiet/cease) creates clear cause-effect. Fire requires fuel; remove wood, fire dies. Strife requires gossip; remove gossip, strife ends. This verse identifies gossip as conflict's fuel. Want to end disputes? Stop gossiping. James 1:26 warns: 'If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Proverbs repeatedly condemns gossip (11:13, 16:28, 18:8, 20:19). Ancient close communities made gossip especially destructive. Leviticus 19:16 commands: 'Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people.' Modern social media exponentially amplifies gossip's reach. Ending strife often requires simply stopping gossip rather than complex conflict resolution. Remove fuel, fire dies.

Reflection Questions

  1. What conflicts persist because you or others keep feeding them through gossip?
  2. How can you stop being 'wood' that fuels fires of strife?
  3. What discipline would eliminate gossip from your speech patterns?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בְּאֶ֣פֶס1 of 8

“Where no”

H657

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

עֵ֭צִים2 of 8

“wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

תִּכְבֶּה3 of 8

“goeth out”

H3518

to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)

אֵ֑שׁ4 of 8

“is there the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וּבְאֵ֥ין5 of 8
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

נִ֝רְגָּ֗ן6 of 8

“so where there is no talebearer”

H5372

a slanderer

יִשְׁתֹּ֥ק7 of 8

“ceaseth”

H8367

to subside

מָדֽוֹן׃8 of 8

“the strife”

H4066

a contest or quarrel

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 26:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 26:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 16:28James 3:6Proverbs 22:10Proverbs 26:22

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