(A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the book of Proverbs)

Without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭26‬:‭20‬ HCSB)

This proverb is one of several in chapter 26 that have to do with words, and the results of not using them well.

Ask Californians during fire season what not to do and they’ll certainly include “don’t feed it.”

Ask recipients of damaging gossip what not to do and they’ll say the same thing. “Kill it. Don’t spread it.”

Remember the game “gossip”? What if you simply refused to play? What if the message never got to the last person just because you quit the game?