THE SLOW ‘RULER’

Fire as a natural element is inherently destructive in its power and nature. Everything and anything that comes in its way is burnt and destroyed. The peculiar nature of fire is that once it destroys something. Everything turns into ashes, and nothing can be made out of it.

However, fire, if controlled and guided objectively, purposefully and wisely, has the exact opposite effect, and will be a great blessing. This is equally true.

Fire and anger are generally compared. Anger is an emotion much similar to fire. In fact, anger has the same effect and impact on everything and anything that it comes in contact with, except when it is controlled and guided. This is also true.

Sadly, angry people seldom have such wise discretion. Hence, the Bible speaks about human anger in such strong terms. Hope these words from the Word of God help us temper our anger, and help us exercise patience and long-suffering, instead of bursting out in fiery and destructive anger.

“32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty;
and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
“29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.”
11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression.”
“9 Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.”
“26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.”
“19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” – Proverbs 16:32, 14:29, 19:11; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Ephesians 4:26-27; James 1:19

Therefore, it is wise, and in our best interest, to keep our anger under our control, and not be under its control. A person who has anger under control, is better than a mighty man, and a man who conquers a city. May the LORD help us.