Proverbs 16:32
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty
And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city
“Whoever is slow to anger” is similar in meaning to “And he who rules his spirit.” This refers to a person who has self control, who will not react when provoked. Such a person is “better than the mighty,” better “than he who takes a city.” This refers to a warrior who can fight long periods of war, is an ingenious strategist, who commands armies and who is feared by people especially his enemies. But the bible says that if you are able not to react when someone does or says something unpleasant to you, you are even stronger than any of these battle warriors. And this is very true because it will keep you safe.
Behaviour of One Who Lacks/Has Self Control
It is not difficult to recognize such a person. If you pass a comment that hurts his pride, or point out his mistake, he will react perhaps by rebutting. A person who “rules his spirit” may feel hurt or angry but he will choose to keep quiet and then reflect upon that criticism to see if indeed he has that shortcoming. If he hears something or witnesses an incident that seems wrong, he is quick to condemn or pass judgment on who is right or wrong and even take action to make the wrong right. A person who “rules his spirit” will say nothing and not react, choosing instead to hear both sides out before passing a judgment. A person who lacks self control often jumps to conclusion and creates a mess but one who rules the spirit is a very strong and fine man: he can keep that heart under control and thus keep quiet and think objectively and calmly.
Benefits of a Self-Controlled Person
Such people are often great leaders, the real warriors, not because they are strong physically but because they are strong mentally. They are level headed and they will not mess things up because they keep that unruly member, “the tongue” under control. Because they do not react, they react best because they have time to see things clearly as events later develop and hence make wise decisions and accomplish great things. Is it not true? When Mary tells you about Harry, you think Harry is wrong, only to realize later that Mary did not tell you about the nasty things she earlier did to Harry. But alas, it is too late because you had just confronted Harry and gave him a piece of your (crooked) mind and made a fool out of yourself and said things that could never be retracted. Yes, Harry has forgiven you, but it will be sometime before Harry’s wounds heal. Why? It all happened because you reacted too quickly. You could not rule your spirit.
Therefore, dear friends, the next time when you hear something that makes you angry, learn to listen, keep quiet and wait because “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him” (Proverbs 18:17). Keep cool and your footsteps will be safe.