Fire

For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarrelling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. Proverbs 26:20-21 ESV

Here, in two proverbs, we have a similar illustration to make a similar point. The imagery is of fire, the point is about quarrels. What can start as a seemingly inconsequential spat, can quickly spiral out of control. 

If a fire runs out of flammable material to burn, it goes out. If gossips didn't aggravate domestic disputes, they would hopefully be amicably resolved. They say there's no smoke without fire. But there isn't even a fire if there isn't someone stoking it. 

It's not just gossips who perpetuate quarrels. Just as a fire can develop into an uncontrollable inferno, so a seemingly trivial quarrel can be kindled into strife and conflict. If someone's quarrelsome, a resolvable dispute can become an all out fight. 

We aren't to be metaphorical firestarters, but to peacefully put out the fires of hostility before they become bigger than we can handle. A quibble between two parties could be quelled if a third party didn't stir it up. And if we get into disagreements, we're to be peaceable and conciliatory. 

"Almighty Yahweh, don't let us stir up or perpetuate conflict we pray. May we be for peace, even if others are spoiling for a fight. For the sake of Jesus we pray, amen"