PROVERBS 26
Concerning Busybodies.
V. 18. As a madman who casteth fire-brands, or fiery darts, arrows, and death, deadly missiles of all kinds, v. 19. so is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, using craft against him, deliberately hurting him with bitter speeches, and saith, Am not I In sport? Gentle teasing and irony may well be permissible, but there is a limit to everything, and joking must never become pointed raillery with a personal sting.
V. 20. Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out, for want of fuel; so where there is no talebearer, whose slanderous remarks always add further fuel for quarrels, the strife ceaseth, it is quieted for want of material to keep it going.
V. 21. As coals are to burning coals and wood to fire, keeping the blaze steady, so is a contentious man to kindle strife, always to stir it up anew.
V. 22. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Compare chapter 18, 8.