21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
21 A quarrelsome person in a dispute is like kerosene thrown on a fire.
21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
21 A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 26:21
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.