Proverbs 26:21 kjva — As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

King James Version with Apocrypha

"As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife."

— Proverbs 26:21, King James Version with Apocrypha

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Proverbs 26:21 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Proverbs 26 — Context

18

As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

19

So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

20

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

21

As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

23

Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24

He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

Proverbs 26:21 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 26:21 say?
Proverbs 26:21 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.”
Where is Proverbs 26:21 in the Bible?
Proverbs 26:21 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 26, verse 21.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 26:21.
What translation should I read Proverbs 26:21 in?
Proverbs 26:21 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 26:21?
Proverbs 26:21 reads (KJVA): “As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2