Solomon gives us a very clear picture today, of cause and effect. In order to keep a bed of coals burning, you must add more coals. In order to keep a camp fire going, you must add wood. And, in order to keep arguments going, you must have a contentious individual who continues to fuel the fight. You see, fights and arguments do not “just happen” they are created and perpetuated through individuals who have adopted an argumentative spirit. It is important to catch that the contentious man here, is obviously very foolish. Some folks may pride themselves on being able to “get people going”, or being a good arguer, but when you frame the boast from God’s perspective, we are simply bragging about being a fool. The individual, who is pursuing wisdom, will learn to disagree with an individual without fighting with them. Wisdom attacks problems, while fools attack people; may we look to Christ for the wisdom and self-control that is needed in order to love those with whom we disagree.