He who is slow to anger

... is better than the mighty warrior, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city (Proverbs 16:32).  Here is a perfect example of Hebrew poetry, where the second stanza essentially repeats the first,  but with subtle variation and possible clarification.  A mighty warrior of course can take a city, and one who takes a city can rightly be thought of as a mighty warrior. A mighty warrior however may be able to do far more than take a city. But this is not the main point of the Proverb.  We may be slow to anger because the situation provokes fear rather than anger.  So the second stanza clarifies that what is meant here, is one who is able to control his or her spirit.  But there is more, because it says something about anger, it implies that anger under control is not necessarily wrong. In many Christian circles, anger is regarded as sinful period.

Jesus was angry at times (Mark 3:5). The Scripture does not tell us not to be angry period.  It  tells us that  we are to be careful not to sin in our anger (Ephesians 4:26). We are however, to put away anger associated with bitterness (Ephesians 4:31). And the implication of the  Proverbs, is that even when it is appropriate to be angry we are to be slow to come to it (see also James 1:19).  The second stanza tells us that this is about self control.  Putting the two things together the Proverb is talking about strength (might) under control. Jesus demonstrated this when He cast the  money changers, who were cheating the people,  out of the temple. In particular,  He took the time to make a whip of chords, and (I think) also calm Himself so as not to sin, in what He was about to do.  

One of the commentators on this morning's verse suggested that it is about suppressing anger, and I could not disagree with him more. When we suppress anger,  rather than bringing it to the Lord to help us in our self control, that suppressed anger will come out somewhere, and likely inappropriately. Self control is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). It comes  when we have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, and as we as we make a habit of bringing every though and emotion captive unto obedience of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Father, I was reminded of the original meaning of the English word meek, and of  the verse “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5 KJV).  Meekness in English  has come to mean weakness and timidity, but Jesus was meek when He cast out the money changers. Some translations talk about humility. The original meaning of meek fits in exactly with this morning's verse, for it it all about strength under control. Lord we will not exhibit  self control,  unless we make a habit of practicing it. Unfortunately  the only time we can  practice it is when we are provoked, and we need Your help Lord. So please give us Grace for these things. We ask in Jesus Name Amen