Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty
And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
What a difference a little patience brings. What alternative destinies could restrained words offer.
Many whose biography is crowned with conquests have omitted to overcome the strongest enemy of all; bringing kings and nations to their knees, they remain puny servants to the master of all men: self.
I used to have a control problem. I was not happy when things didn’t go my way. I desperately tried to control my environment to fit my wishes, desires and likings and very quickly found myself at war against a 7.000.000.000 people world, and loosing. So, more out of logical reasoning than out of true yieldedness, I capitulated.
When we can get our way, our last resort is anger. It’s a form of manipulative intimidation of others. It is also a sign of weakness. Once someone has succeeded to make us angry, they won. It is a very poor sample of leadership and parenthood. Even Moses, who was said to be the humblest of all men, didn’t get away with it.
This war against our passion is a difficult one. It seems that even the apostle Paul fought it all his life. Self is an opponent that can look as big as Goliath, and as David proved, can only be overcome with help of God. The Master Himself was the prime example of restraint under extreme injustice.
He that wins the war against himself conquers more than an empire. He that is able to bring his passion under control has discovered the secret of true virtue.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty
And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
What a difference a little patience brings. What alternative destinies could restrained words offer.
Many whose biography is crowned with conquests have omitted to overcome the strongest enemy of all; bringing kings and nations to their knees, they remain puny servants to the master of all men: self.
I used to have a control problem. I was not happy when things didn’t go my way. I desperately tried to control my environment to fit my wishes, desires and likings and very quickly found myself at war against a 7.000.000.000 people world, and loosing. So, more out of logical reasoning than out of true yieldedness, I capitulated.
When we can get our way, our last resort is anger. It’s a form of manipulative intimidation of others. It is also a sign of weakness. Once someone has succeeded to make us angry, they won. It is a very poor sample of leadership and parenthood. Even Moses, who was said to be the humblest of all men, didn’t get away with it.
This war against our passion is a difficult one. It seems that even the apostle Paul fought it all his life. Self is an opponent that can look as big as Goliath, and as David proved, can only be overcome with help of God. The Master Himself was the prime example of restraint under extreme injustice.
He that wins the war against himself conquers more than an empire. He that is able to bring his passion under control has discovered the secret of true virtue.
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