The Strength of the Absence of Anger

Let’s read Proverbs 16:32: 

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,  
And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

The word of God has much to say about anger.  Anger is a very dangerous emotion that God’s word cautions us against many, many times.  In this proverb we are told that someone who is slow to anger is better than the mighty.  Is that what we would intuitively think?  If you’ve ever seen the “Incredible Hulk” you see how anger turns into great strength…and green skin…and the need for new shirts and pants…Anger is often associated with might and great strength, and perhaps adrenaline through anger can give a momentary increase in strength, but more often than not, the devastation that comes from the anger is profound and hurtful.  The “Hulk” is never really that happy about the aftermath of his anger…nevermind the cost of a new wardrobe!  So if you are a person who is slow to anger, then you really do have a true “strength” of character that you, and others, can count on.

The second phrase is also important.  The person who “rules his spirit” is better than one who “takes a city”.  Now, there would be a lot of glory and fame associated with “taking a city”.  But we are told that it is better to be able to rule your spirit.  It is better to be able to control your temper and your outbursts.  If everyone did that, I don’t suppose there would be any reason to take any cities would there?  We would all just “get along” and we could stay in our cities.

Let’s look to God for the “strength” to keep our anger in check.  We’ll all be better for it.  If you seek the “Hulk” around, give him my number.