[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.''