Like a city whose walls are broken
Proverbs 25:28 - Solomon knew that self-discipline is the key not only to achieving harmony in relationships, but in maintaining integrity in the spiritual life as well.
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“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
Proverbs 25:28 NIV
Proverbs 25 is a collection of Solomon’s proverbs that were collected about 270 years after Solomon’s death by the command of King Hezekiah. These proverbs make up five chapters of the Book of Proverbs — 25 through 29 — but the entire book doesn’t even come close to encapsulating the whole of Solomon’s wisdom. In 1 Kings 4:32, we find that Solomon had written about three thousand proverbs:
“He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five.”
Solomon wasn’t nearly as prolific as his father, King David, but he still managed to use his God-given skills and wisdom to set down these proverbs in writing for the edification of generations to come.
The NASB translation of the Bible switches the order of the words in Proverbs 25:28 to:
“Like a city that is broken into and without walls Is a man who has no control over his spirit.”
This translation equates lacking “self-control” to having “no control over his spirit”, and I think that makes a lot more sense than the NIV version. Not having control over one’s own spirit means that the world, the flesh, and the enemy rule over you instead. It’s exactly the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23, which includes self-control:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
(emphasis is mine)
Solomon wisely uses the analogy of a lack of self-control being “like a city whose walls are broken through.” David Guzik, in his Enduring Word commentary on this proverb, says this:
b. Is like a city broken down, without walls: A city broken down, a city without walls has no defense and is vulnerable to every attack. It has no security, stability, and can protect nothing really valuable. This shows some of the terrible cost of having no rule over one’s own spirit.
i. “Certainly the noblest conquests are gained or lost over ourselves. The first outbreak of anger resulted in murder. A king’s lack of watchfulness about lust resulted in adultery.” (Bridges)
Self-control — also known as temperance — is essential for lives that honor God. Often, a lack of temperance leads to destructive behavior. Think of those who have trouble controlling their anger, their lusts, or their addictions. In 1 Samuel chapters 18 and 19, we see where even biblical figures like Saul can ruin their lives; in his case, it was not having control over his anger that led to his downfall.
The New Testament warns against anger as well. For example, James 1:19-20 urges believers to show restraint:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
and Jesus exemplified self-control during His last day of human life (1 Peter 2:23)
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
Solomon knew that self-discipline is the key not only to achieving harmony in relationships, but in maintaining integrity in the spiritual life as well.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Solomon’s wise words in this proverb that show us the need for self-control. Help me to grow in my temperance in all aspects of my life, and grant me the strength to resist temptations. Protect my spirit, my body, and my soul. I submit my will to You, knowing that You alone can help me grow in self-control. AMEN.