Sometimes a verse will make you stop and think. On some occasions the imagery is captivating; other times the point is compelling; sometimes it is both. For example,
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.
Proverbs 25:28
A literal translation of the phrase has no rule over his own spirit can be rendered whose spirit lacks restraint. Now there is an inflammatory word… restraint! I don’t want restraint; I demand to be free! And in today’s world freedom is displayed in self-assertion. I am free to do or say whatever I want. I will not allow, nor will I impose any limitations or constraints on myself. But this proverb teaches us that it is not accurate to think that the less constraint I have, the freer I am. Imagine a group of people trying to live together without any moral norms or constraints on their actions and expressions. That does not present an attractive picture for anyone. In fact, it would be impossible.
The above proverb asserts that one who has no restraint over his own spirit is breached by an invading army and is defenseless against the attacks of his impulses. He is exposed, vulnerable, easy prey to unhappiness and irritations. University of Michigan professor Richard Nisbett said that he’d rather have his son be high in self-control than intelligence because self-control is key to a well-functioning life.1 That sounds like something straight from Proverbs.
Having rule over your own spirit means maintaining government over your appetites and passions, and not letting them rule you by rebelling against reason and conscience. It means governing your own thoughts, desires, inclinations, and resentments. This means that there is a particularly important choice to be made regarding what is informing your attitudes and desires.
One key aspect of being made in the image of God is that we long for something greater than ourselves – something that defines our meaning and purpose so that we can enjoy ultimate satisfaction. God has made Himself known to us and has shone His light into our darkness. Through faith He has lavished His grace upon us by His Spirit, and the fruit of the Spirit includes self-control. The Spirit directs our focus toward Jesus Christ, knowing that where you fix your gaze directs your movement, your choice of behaviors, and expressions. For this reason, we are called to keep in step with the Spirit.
Let me put it this way, you will find your greatest freedom by surrendering to the control of the One who made you and redeemed you.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
_______________
1 Larry Greenemeier, "What Causes Someone to Act on Violent Impulses and Commit Murder?" www.scientificamerican.com, (1-12-11)
Copyright © 2021 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.