Proverbs 16:32: He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Insight
A great conflict and a glorious victory are set out here. The heart is the field of battle. All its evil and powerful passions are deadly foes. They must be met and triumphed over in God’s strength. Those who are ignorant of God and of themselves make light of them. Instead of being patient, under provocation they think they are right to be angry. They justify themselves by thinking that it is wrong to put up with wrong. But a hasty temper is an infirmity. So not being able to control his temper, he is a captive, not a conqueror. 1
Application
Notice the instruction in James 1:19 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
In speaking specifically to Christians, there are just three, three word statements that can keep you from reacting regrettably, and train you to respond responsibility. Will you make a personal commitment to change your old ways today? Will you purpose to be swift to hear, and not the first to speak before thinking about your words? Will you die to your problem with anger, and no longer be mad at others? Will you learn how to let the Holy Spirit rule your own spirit?
Motivation
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
The greatest display of power is a life lived under the influencing power of His Holy Spirit. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please teach me how to yield to You, and not to my emotions.
1. Bridges, C. (2001). Proverbs. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
