Proverbs 26:20
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases.
American Standard Version (ASV)
For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Without wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no secret talk, argument is ended.
Webster's Revision
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no tale-bearer, the strife ceaseth.
World English Bible
For lack of wood a fire goes out. Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.
English Revised Version (ERV)
For lack of wood the fire goeth out: and where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
Clarke's Proverbs 26:20 Bible Commentary
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out - The tale-receiver and the tale-bearer are the agents of discord. If none received the slander in the first instance, it could not be propagated. Hence our proverb, "The receiver is as bad as the thief." And our laws treat them equally; for the receiver of stolen goods, knowing them to be stolen, is hanged, as well as he who stole them.