Read & explore together
The mouth can kindle or quench a quarrel
Sirach 28:8–12 teaches that quarrels do not grow by accident. This wisdom passage shows how anger, haste and speech can feed conflict, and it also shows that a person’s words can help stop it.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
In these verses from Sirach, the speaker gives short wisdom sayings about strife, anger, friendship and speech. The passage moves from a call to avoid strife, to warnings about discord, to pictures of fire and sparks that explain how quarrels spread or are put out.
Sirach 28:8–12Main takeaway
This passage teaches that human speech can either stir conflict further or help bring it to an end.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Turn away from strifeThe first saying is direct: “Abstain from strife”. The result named here is that sins are diminished.
Explanation
The first saying is direct: “Abstain from strife”. The result named here is that sins are diminished. The reason follows straight away: a passionate person kindles strife. In this passage, strife is not treated as small or harmless. It is something that grows when anger is given room.
02Discord damages peace and friendshipSirach then warns that a sinner “will trouble friends” and “sow discord among those who are at peace”.
Explanation
Sirach then warns that a sinner “will trouble friends” and “sow discord among those who are at peace”. These words show that quarrels affect other people, not only the angry person. Friendship can be disturbed, and existing peace can be broken apart by someone’s actions and speech.
03Anger can spread like fireVerse 10 compares strife to a fire that burns according to its fuel. The saying also links wrath to a person’s strength and wealth, describing anger being exalted.
Explanation
Verse 10 compares strife to a fire that burns according to its fuel. The saying also links wrath to a person’s strength and wealth, describing anger being exalted. The point of the comparison is clear in the text: when strife is fed, it grows hotter rather than settling down.
04The mouth can inflame or quenchThe final verses warn that a quarrel begun in haste can kindle a fire, and hasty fighting can lead to bloodshed.
Explanation
The final verses warn that a quarrel begun in haste can kindle a fire, and hasty fighting can lead to bloodshed. Then the image narrows to a spark: blowing makes it burn, while spitting quenches it. Sirach applies this picture to speech by saying, “Both of these come out of your mouth.”
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What result does Sirach connect with abstaining from strife?
Look at the first command and its result in the same verse, and notice the contrast with the passionate person who kindles strife.
02According to this passage, who is affected when discord is sown?
Focus on the relationships named in the verse, especially “friends” and “those who are at peace”.
03How does the spark picture explain the power of the mouth?
Compare the two opposite actions in the verse and then read the final sentence that applies them to speech.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Sirach 28:8–12
8Abstain from strife, and you will diminish your sins, for a passionate man will kindle strife.
9A man who is a sinner will trouble friends and sow discord among those who are at peace.
10As is the fuel of the fire, so it will burn; and as the stoutness of the strife is, so it will burn. As is the strength of the man, so will be his wrath; and as is his wealth, so he will exalt his anger.
11A contention begun in haste kindles a fire; and hasty fighting sheds blood.
12If you blow on a spark, it will burn; and if you spit upon it, it will be quenched. Both of these come out of your mouth.