Proverbs 16:32 (CB)

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. 

SELF-CONTROL: THE IMPORTANCE. A warrior knew how to conquer and master a whole city. But these proverbs argue that even better is the patient, self-controlled person who knows how to conquer and master himself. This means that is it harder to master yourself than to master others, or even a whole nation. There are too many examples of world beaters who won prizes or literally conquered nations but who could not control their tempers, their tongues, or their emotions. In ancient times people with self-control and prudence were highly admired over those who followed whim and passion. Today self-control is often seen as unhealthy. Following one’s passion, feeling one’s anger, and being spontaneous are all valued in the world of the creative and sophisticated. Yet so many of our most famous celebrities, following this pattern, have made a shipwreck of their lives. As we have seen, biblical wisdom is all about the goodness of emotion, yet it is God’s Word, not our intuitions and feelings, that must be sovereign. Where has a lack of self-control brought trouble into your life?

Prayer: Lord, the last of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5: 22–23), self-control, seems to be also the slowest to grow in me. I can be loving and even humble before I can get control of my tongue and behavior. I repent and ask you to show me the way forward. Amen.