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.”
Solomon extols the virtue of self-control in this proverb. The phrase “slow to anger” means patience. To be patient is better than to be a warrior. Better to be victorious with inward battles than victorious on the battlefield. The next phrase in the proverb is instructional, filled with word pictures, and very needful in each of our lives: “And he who rules his spirit (better) than he who takes a city.” If you can conquer the outer world but cannot conquest the inner world, you are defeated.
The bottom line of this proverb: we need to prize patience and self-control above achievements in this life.
Patience suggests that something is urging us to take action, make a decision, move forward, and we are in need of patience to resist that temptation. What is screaming at you today to do something about it? Are you truly procrastinating or is their merit to you waiting and not feeling “forced” into making something happen? Waiting is a tough position to maintain. However, there are many times that a better outcome can be obtained through waiting. The “push” to do something can be draining. But Isaiah 40:31 says, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” A patience that is good timing and God ordained can be rejuvenating.
A situation that demands your attention and a decision can be very stressful. This can lead to anxiety and you reacting to pressure. It is here that “ruling your spirit” becomes vital. Keep a cool head and do not lose your temper. Show self-control in the midst of the tension by fully trusting in the Lord and bringing every concern to Him in prayer. Have the attitude and conviction that “God is in control.” This will help you maintain control over your spirit and will lead to decisions that are Spirit-led and at the right time. Through patience and self-control you will develop an inner peace that will sustain you when everything else around you is in turmoil.