CWW Week 41 - Anger - Day 6

Devotional: Strength in Self-Control

Verse:
Proverbs 16:32 (ESV) –
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”

Devotional Thought

In our world today, strength is often measured by how loud, powerful, or influential someone appears. We admire those who command attention, win arguments, or dominate in their fields. But Proverbs 16:32 flips the script entirely. It tells us that true strength isn’t about control over others—it’s about control over ourselves.

“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” That’s a huge statement. In ancient times, a warrior who conquered a city would have been seen as the ultimate example of strength and success. Yet here, Scripture says that someone who can control their temper—who can rule their spirit—is even greater.

Why? Because self-control is one of the most difficult battles we face. It’s not glamorous. No one’s giving out medals for holding your tongue or walking away from a fight. But heaven notices—and God honours it.

Anger, when not kept in check, can lead to damage far greater than any war. It can destroy relationships, reputations, and even our witness as followers of Jesus. It’s not wrong to feel angry—there’s a place for righteous anger. But it’s dangerous to be ruled by anger. The one who is slow to anger is the one who has learned the discipline of pausing, processing, and choosing peace over power.

Think about a time you were angry. Really angry. What did it take to hold yourself back? What would’ve happened if you hadn’t? It’s often far easier to “take a city” than to keep our cool when we’re disrespected, hurt, or provoked. But the Spirit of God produces fruit in us—including self-control (Galatians 5:23)—and through Him, we can become people who are not easily shaken.

Being “slow to anger” doesn’t mean you don’t feel strong emotions—it means you know how to manage them wisely. It means you respond, rather than react. You step back before you step forward. You listen before you speak. You let the Spirit lead rather than letting emotion drive.

This kind of strength is developed over time. It’s not instant. It grows in those quiet moments when you choose not to shout back, when you take a breath instead of firing off that angry text, when you pray before you react.

And here’s the powerful part: when you rule your spirit, you not only protect your peace—you influence others. Your calmness in a storm, your patience under pressure, and your ability to respond with grace can be a powerful witness in a world full of short fuses and sharp tongues.

So if you want to be strong—really strong—don’t just try to win the argument. Win the battle within.

Reflection Questions

1. Can you think of a time when you lost control of your emotions? What was the outcome, and what would you do differently now?
   Be honest with yourself and look for a lesson in the moment.
2. Why do you think God values self-control more than visible power or strength?
   Reflect on how this kind of strength impacts your relationships and witness.
3. What’s one situation in your life right now where you need to “rule your spirit” instead of letting anger or frustration take over?
   Ask God for help in that specific area today.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Papa God,

Thank You that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. I admit that there are times when I let anger get the better of me. I’ve reacted instead of responding, and I’ve let my emotions speak louder than Your Spirit.

Please forgive me for the moments I’ve failed to rule my spirit. Teach me what it means to be slow to anger and rich in grace. Help me to value self-control more than winning arguments or proving a point. Fill me with Your peace and patience, even when I’m under pressure.

Lord, I want to be strong in the way that matters to You—not through power or pride, but through humility and wisdom. Shape me into someone who reflects Your character, even when tested.

Thank You for the gentle strength of Jesus, who never lost control, even when He was wronged. Help me walk in His footsteps.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Have a great day today with Jesus.

Graham Hood.