Proverbial Self-Control
"He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city."
Proverbs 16:32 NASB1995
The Proverb shows us that being slow to anger is directly connected to, and influenced by, one who rules their own spirit. “Rule thy own spirit” is a beautiful definition of self-control; isn’t it?
When we think of “rule” we often associate it with authority, and power, and domain. Your own spirit (and mind and body and heart and soul) is the domain of which you have authority and power over if you exhibit self-control. When you do not exhibit self-control then you have given that authority and power over to something, or someone, else. This is not good when speaking in the context of lust, desire, and temptation.
Now, to possess the ability to overpower and conquer others is an impressive feat. In fact, to capture an entire city is accomplished by the mightiest and most powerful warriors. And yet, to conquer one’s own spirit is even more impressive. It is better. History is littered with failed men who could conquer others but not themselves which ultimately led to their demise.
(That’s part of the irony of this proverb and so many others - it was given by King Solomon, who ruled so many, and yet he had given rule of his heart over to his foreign wives that turned him away from Jehovah God.)
Oftentimes, those in history who sought to overtake cities were driven by lust. Whether it be a lust for power, or fame, or women, or oftentimes… vengeance. Men, driven by rage and anger to the destruction of their fellow mankind (and oftentimes themselves as well). And yet, what about he who is not so easily offended? What about he who is slow to anger? Who does not lash out in rage? Well, that is better. That preserves the soul. That brings peace. Peace is better.
Those who rule their own spirit will have more peace in their lives. Period. Because they are in control of their happiness and contentment. Because they are in control of their passions and desires. Because they are in control of their attitude and actions.
Rule thy own spirit. Rule it well. Rule it by the grace, and knowledge, and wisdom of God and see what peace it brings to your life. Experience how it is “better”.
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