Proverbs 26:19-21

Easy-to-Read Version

^18-19 Anyone who would trick someone and then say, “I was only joking” is like a fool who shoots flaming arrows into the air and accidentally kills someone.

²⁰ Without wood, a fire goes out. Without gossip, arguments stop.

²¹ Charcoal keeps the coals glowing, wood keeps the fire burning, and troublemakers keep arguments alive.