Proverbs 16:32

32 A man slow to anger is better than a strong ; and he that governs temper better than he that 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.''

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FOOTNOTES:

F20 Epist. l. 5. Ep. 4.

Proverbs 16:32 In-Context

30 And the man that fixes his eyes devises perverse things, and marks out with his lips all evil: he is a furnace of wickedness.

31 Old age is a crown of honour, but it is found in the ways of righteousness.

32 A man slow to anger is better than a strong ; and he that governs temper better than he that takes a city.

33 All come upon the ungodly into bosoms; but all righteous things of the Lord.