Who's In Control?

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32).

It is better to rule one’s spirit than reign over a worldly kingdom. Wise people govern their thoughts, actions, and leanings and can victoriously do this only through Christ (Rom 5:17). But the person who makes rash decisions and has uncontrolled passions and temperament is like a breached city because the enemy destroyed its protecting walls. An unwalled city (unprotected spirit) is vulnerable to Satan’s attacks and temptations. What is our “city’s” wall? Self-control—fruit produced by the Holy Spirit’s work in a submissive believer relying on God’s help (Gal 5:22–23).