Self-Control > Winning A War

Proverbs 16:32

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.


Proverbs 29:11

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.


Anger. It can be quite damaging not only to others in the path of one overcome by it, but by the very person who embodies it. We notice that there is a difference in being angry and being completely consumed in our anger. In these verses, we see that the Bible is saying that a patient man, a man who can control his emotions, is greater than a warrior. However, this warrior isn't just some regular guy on the battlefield, he is an awesome force to be reckoned with considering he is able to overthrow not a small camp, but an entire city! As for the patient man, his power is greater than the warrior. I understand fully what is being said. I can remember a time when I would let anger take over me. My thought process seemed to be non-existant once that happened. That is where I failed to be a patient man. Really and truly, who would want to be like the warrior, destroying a city, only to stand in the middle of the debris and destruction to find that diplomacy could have not only saved the city, but saved lives of those on both sides of the battle. Consider a boxer. He/she keeps a level head. Why? Because when one gets angry, they forget the plan and become sporatic. Yes, it is possible that they would win from sheer anger alone at times, but they often leave themselves open for a finishing shot. Keep the gloves up. Keep your focus.