Proverbs 16:32

32 1Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Proverbs 16:32 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:32

[He that is] slow to anger is better than the mighty
Than a mighty warrior or conqueror; as Alexander who conquered his enemies, and even all the world, and yet in his wrath slew his best friends: a man that is slow to anger is esteemed by the Lord, respected by men, and is happy in himself; and is preferable to the strongest man that is not master of himself and of his passions; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city;
one that has the command of his temper, that can govern himself, and not suffer his passions to exceed due bounds, is superior in strength to him that can storm a castle or take a fortified city; it is easier to do the one than the other; courage of mind joined with wisdom, and assisted by a proper number of persons, may do the one; but it requires the grace of God, and the assistance of his spirit, thoroughly to do the other. Cicero says F20, in all ages

``fewer men are found who conquer their own lusts than that overcome the armies of enemies.''

FOOTNOTES:

F20 Epist. l. 5. Ep. 4.

Proverbs 16:32 In-Context

30 Whoever winks his eyes plansdishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Proverbs 14:29; [Proverbs 19:11; Proverbs 25:28]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.