This verse begins a two-part comparison (completed in verse 19). The picture of a madman hurling firebrands, arrows, and deadly weapons describes someone utterly reckless and destructive. The power of the image lies in its completeness: fire, arrows, and death cover destruction at every distance.
Memory phrase: Reckless actions destroy everything.
Talk about it: How does reckless behaviour hurt the people around you?
Prayer: God, help me not harm others with my words or actions.