Proverbs 16:32

32 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 16:32 in Other Translations

32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

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

32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

32 Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power.

32 Patience is better than power, and controlling one's temper, than capturing 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 Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.

31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.

32 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.