Character is key

Memorize: Proverbs 16:32

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Read: 2 Samuel 19:16-23

The world is becoming a dangerous place to live in. Many people are angry because of the deeds and misdeeds of others. Predominantly in homes, physical abuse through violence is sending people to their early graves or at least dissolving unions of man and wife fast. The problem is identified in anger as a character trait.

There is no man born of a woman who cannot be provoked. But how you react in the face of provocation determines or reveals what you are made of. The word of God says anger lies in the bosom of fools. It presupposes that anyone who displays or manifests anger is a fool. No matter your height in society, if out of provocation you misbehave in anger you are just a fool. Anger is a work of the flesh.

When you rule your spirit and not dissipate rash reaction, you are said to be better than one who has capacity to take a city. Why? Because you are reckoned with as a wise person who deserves credit and accolades. If in a momentary fit of anger, you end up injuring or killing someone, you might end up being killed in return or spending a term in jail. More importantly, you will answer to God in the end. Shimei, a relative of Saul had abused and cursed King David on his way to exile. When God gave David victory, the same came to say ‘sorry’. Lieutenant of the king was of the view Shimei be killed instantly but the king, who knew how to rule over his spirit prevailed that Shimei would not die. Eventually, Shimei was made to pay for his misdeeds in the hands of Solomon the succeeding king. If king David had rashly dealt with Shimei, tongues would have wagged. But the king allowed wisdom to prevail.

Please watch your character: it has the capacity to lift you high or bring you down. Which one would it be?

Pray:

Lord, please help me to rule over my spirit at all times so that I do not become a fool in anger in Jesus name.