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.
Original Language Analysis
ט֤וֹב
is better
H2896
ט֤וֹב
is better
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 8
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אַ֭פַּיִם
to anger
H639
אַ֭פַּיִם
to anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
מִגִּבּ֑וֹר
than the mighty
H1368
מִגִּבּ֑וֹר
than the mighty
Strong's:
H1368
Word #:
4 of 8
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
בְּ֝רוּח֗וֹ
his spirit
H7307
בְּ֝רוּח֗וֹ
his spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
6 of 8
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
Cross References
James 1:19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:Proverbs 15:18A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.Proverbs 25:28He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.Proverbs 14:29He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.Proverbs 19:11The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.Romans 12:21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.Psalms 103:8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.Ephesians 5:1Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;Revelation 3:21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.Proverbs 16:19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures glorified military conquest and warrior prowess. Kings boasted of cities captured and enemies defeated. Against this backdrop, Proverbs radically revalues achievement—self-mastery exceeds conquest. This countercultural wisdom prepared for Jesus' upside-down kingdom where the meek inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5) and leaders serve rather than dominate (Mark 10:42-45).
Questions for Reflection
- In what situations do you struggle most to control your temper or emotions, and how can you grow in patient self-mastery?
- How does culture's glorification of external success and achievement conflict with Scripture's valuation of internal character?
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb values self-control over military strength: 'He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.' Conquering cities demonstrated military prowess and earned fame in the ancient world. Yet Proverbs declares that ruling one's own spirit (moshel berucho) surpasses such achievements. 'Slow to anger' (erekh appayim—literally 'long of nostrils,' patient, forbearing) describes self-controlled temperament. Verse 32 thus prizes internal mastery over external conquest. Jesus embodied this—'meek and lowly in heart' (Matthew 11:29) yet possessing all authority. This proverb anticipates New Testament teaching on self-control as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).