KJV ORIGINAL
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Just as charcoal feeds a fire and wood keeps flames burning, a person who loves to argue and fight will stir up conflict wherever they go.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse is saying that quarrelsome people spread conflict just like fuel feeds a fire.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to King Solomon, written around 950-700 BC. In ancient times, fire was essential for daily life but also dangerous if not controlled properly, making it a powerful metaphor people could easily understand. The Hebrew culture highly valued peace and community harmony, so someone who constantly stirred up trouble was seen as particularly destructive to society.
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