Sirach 28:12
King James VersionSource notes
“If thou blow the spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.”
Context
9A sinful man disquieteth friends, and maketh debate among them that be at peace.
10As the matter of the fire is, so it burneth: and as a man’s strength is, so is his wrath; and according to his riches his anger riseth; and the stronger they are which contend, the more they will be inflamed.
11An hasty contention kindleth a fire: and an hasty fighting sheddeth blood.
12If thou blow the spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.
13Curse the whisperer and doubletongued: for such have destroyed many that were at peace.
14A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.
15A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived them of their labours.