Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. — Proverbs 26:20 KJV
For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no gossiper, quarreling quiets down. — Proverbs 26:20 NASB
Reflection
You know that moment when you’re sitting around, minding your own business, and someone just keeps throwing fuel on the fire of drama? Yeah, Proverbs 26:20 has something to say about that: “Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a quarrel dies down.”
It’s like the ancient wisdom equivalent of saying, “Just stop talking and it’ll all blow over.” I mean, think about it—how many times has a little bit of juicy gossip or a well-timed snarky comment escalated things from a mild disagreement to full-on World War III? It’s like giving a match to a pyromaniac and then wondering why everything’s in flames.
This proverb, though, hits us with the truth that sometimes, the best way to keep the peace is simply to keep quiet. It’s not just about what we say, but about knowing when not to say it. Imagine a campfire. Cozy, warm, and under control, until someone decides to toss in a log soaked in lighter fluid—then you’re roasting more than just marshmallows! Similarly, our words can either warm hearts or scorch relationships, depending on how we use them.
But let’s be real—who doesn’t love a bit of juicy gossip now and then? It’s tempting, right? Yet, this proverb nudges us with a knowing smile, reminding us that our “innocent” chit-chat can stoke the fires of conflict. So maybe next time, instead of adding fuel to the fire, we should consider letting it cool. After all, nobody ever got burned by a fire that was already out.
So here’s to a little less wood on the fire, and a lot more peace in our lives. Who knew that keeping quiet could be so wise…and so much less flammable?
My Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the wisdom in Your Word today. Help me to be mindful of my words, to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Teach me to be a peacemaker, Lord, not one who stirs up conflict or spreads gossip. Give me the strength to resist the temptation to add fuel to the fire, and instead, let my words bring calm, healing, and understanding.
I pray that I always seek to build others up, rather than tearing them down. Guide my heart, Lord, so that I may reflect Your love and peace in all my interactions.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
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