Proverbs 16:32, Rule Your Passions Well!

November 5, Proverbs 16:32

Romans 6:1-14 “Out of weakness were made strong; waxed valiant in fight” (Heb. 11:34).

Rule Your Passions Well!

Here is another synonymous, better than, proverb. It is a reminder to us all of the imperative need to control our tempers. Our greatest fight, therefore, is in gaining victory over our spirits. What monuments are built to the Alexanders and Napoleons of this world? Who, but God, has ever built a monument to the one who has conquered himself or herself? Is not the heart the most difficult field of battle? “The glory of this victory is indeed far above the mighty. The taking of a city is child’s play, compared with this ‘wrestling against flesh and blood’” (Bridges). Only godly men and women are so tried. “Totally depraved spirits are never tempted.” For self-control, try these three vital steps.

1. Self-Knowledge: Each must sit in judgment of his or her own spirit. The Greeks were on the right track when they said, “Know thyself,” and, “the unexamined life is not worth living.” An old proverb has a wise word here. “Know the secrets of thine own house, but not those of another.” It is also better to know our own sins than have others tell us. The person with uncontrolled temper is a danger to everyone. “The worst of slaves is he whom passion rules” (Phillips Brooks). How can one advance in worth of character unless he has command over his spirit. But where is self-knowledge found? Where, but in this precious Book, the Bible! It is only here man sees his true portrait, “warts and all,” as Cromwell said about himself. The Bible is more than a Coach; it is a living Companion prompting us Godward. This Companion sheds God’s light into the soul. It causes God’s lifegiving words to reach us, creating new life and imparting new power.

2. Self-Denial: Someone said, “All great virtues bear the imprint of self-denial.” This means not only rejecting what is forbidden, but also being willing to forego even what is lawful, for the sake of others. Paul put it in very practical, but graphic terms, For meat destroy not the work of God (Rm. 14:19-23). Old lusts must be crucified, and evil passions dethroned. This is the highest self-denial. Denying yourself means more than denying yourself things, like chocolates at Lent! Many Christians have written this off today.

3. Self-Consecration: This is where the conquering of spirit must begin and end. We sing, “Take myself, and I shall be ever, only, all for Thee.” This is not weakness, but the doorway to true strength. When we are conscious of our weakness, we can lean on the everlasting arms of Almighty God. Paul said, Most gladly will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me,… for when I am weak, then am I strong (2 Cor. 12:9-10). Again, Paul speaks of being strong in the Lord and in the power of his might (Eph. 6:10). It is in being clad in the full Armour of God alone that we win the highest prize, victory over self as well as Satan. Here is honour better than the taking of a city, for it wins the highest trophy, the Victory of one’s soul!

Thought: We don’t need to take cities, but we must rule our own spirits.

Prayer: Lord, be Thou my Master, not the world.