Proverbs 26:21
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Original Language Analysis
וְעֵצִ֣ים
and wood
H6086
וְעֵצִ֣ים
and wood
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
3 of 8
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
וְאִ֥ישׁ
man
H376
וְאִ֥ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
Proverbs frequently warns about contentious people (15:18, 22:10, 29:22). Titus 3:10 instructs: 'A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject.' Some people won't change; protecting community requires excluding divisive people. Second Timothy 2:23 warns: 'Foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.' Paul and Barnabas separated because of sharp contention over Mark (Acts 15:39) - even godly people sometimes must separate to preserve peace.
Questions for Reflection
- Who in your life functions as 'coal to embers' - intensifying every conflict?
- How might you be the contentious person who kindles strife wherever you go?
- What boundaries protect you and your community from chronically contentious people?
Analysis & Commentary
As coals to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious person to kindle strife. The Hebrew 'madyan midyaniym' (contentious person) and 'lecharcher riyb' (kindle strife) describes someone who creates conflict wherever they go. Some people aren't merely caught in conflicts but actively create them. Like adding fuel to fire intensifies burning, contentious people intensify conflicts. This warns: some people are relationally toxic - they manufacture drama and division. Wisdom requires recognizing and, when possible, avoiding such people.