Good day everyone, and welcome back to our journey through the book of Proverbs! 😊 Each chapter is filled with timeless wisdom, and today we’re diving into Proverbs 26. My prayer is that as we reflect together, God’s Word will bring encouragement, guidance, and fresh revelation for your daily walk.

“It takes fuel to have a fire— a fire dies down when you run out of fuel. So quarrels disappear when the gossip ends. Add fuel to the fire and the blaze goes on. So add an argumentative man to the mix, and you’ll keep strife alive. Gossip is so delicious, and how we love to swallow it! For slander is easily absorbed into our innermost being.” (Proverbs 26:20–22 TPT)

“When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down. A quarrelsome person in a dispute is like kerosene thrown on a fire. Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you want junk like that in your belly?” (Proverbs 26:20–22 MSG)

I want to begin with a question: What are you doing with your words? Are they fueling a fire, or are they quenching it?

These verses remind us of the incredible power of the tongue. Such a small part of our body, yet capable of so much harm when not put under control. Harsh words stir up anger, hatred, and bitterness, while gentle and kind words promote love, patience, and peace. Proverbs tells us clearly: quarrels die down when gossip ends. Gossip is one of the biggest killers of friendships, and it has no place in the life of a believer.

Sometimes we disguise gossip as “sharing so someone can pray,” but deep inside, we know our true motive. Instead of spreading words that wound, we should take the matter to God in prayer. When gossip, slander, and quarrels are removed, our relationships become healthier and filled with peace rather than strife.

Verse 21 warns that an argumentative spirit only fuels the fire. Some people live for debates, always needing the last word, but this kind of attitude only stirs up more conflict. As children of God, we are called to be peacemakers, not fire-starters. The Bible repeatedly urges us to put away envy, malice, hurtful talk, and slander:

“So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.” (1 Peter 2:1–3 MSG)

“And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them. Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults. But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.” (Ephesians 4:29, 31–32 TPT)

“If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.” (James 1:26 NLT)

The Message version of verse 22 calls gossip “cheap candy that is junk in our belly,” while The Passion Translation says it infects our innermost being. Either way, gossip is spiritual junk food—it does nothing to nourish us and only leaves us weak. Let’s make the decision to turn away from gossip, refuse to spread slander, and instead let our words be gracious gifts that encourage and bring life.

I leave us with David’s prayer in Psalm 141:3 (NKJV):
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.”

May that be our prayer today.

Thank you for joining me today! 😊 I’d love to hear how Proverbs 26 spoke to you—share your thoughts or reflections in the comments below so we can grow together.

✨Here are some reflection questions to ponder on:

Reflection Questions:

• Are my words bringing peace and healing, or are they fueling conflict?
• Do I ever disguise gossip as “sharing a prayer request”? What can I do differently?
• In moments of disagreement, do I add fuel to the fire, or do I seek to calm the situation with gentle words?
• How can I invite God to “set a guard” over my mouth this week?