As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife (Proverbs 26:21).
Men of proud, and passionate, and selfish spirits, give scope to their corrupt dispositions in kindling strife and debate, which seem to be as agreeable to them as a fire to one who is ready to perish with cold. We ought to avoid the society of such persons. If we are cast into their company, it is absolutely necessary for us to keep a strict guard over our hearts and our tongues; for their provoking or seducing words, have the same tendency to kindle strife, as burning coals have to kindle dry wood into a flame. The conflagration that was raised by Korah, and that which was kindled by Sheba the son of Bichri, soon spread itself through all the armies of Israel.
Let none who calls himself a Christian give any occasion to-call him a contentious man, for Christ is the prince of peace; his gospel is the gospel of peace, and ah that believe it in truth are the sons and the lovers of peace; but the lovers of strife are children of the wicked one.
Extract from “Exposition of the Book of Proverbs” by George Lawson.
