Proverbs 25:28
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Original Language Analysis
עִ֣יר
is like a city
H5892
עִ֣יר
is like a city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
1 of 9
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
פְּ֭רוּצָה
that is broken down
H6555
פְּ֭רוּצָה
that is broken down
Strong's:
H6555
Word #:
2 of 9
to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)
אִ֝֗ישׁ
He
H376
אִ֝֗ישׁ
He
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Proverbs 16:32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.Proverbs 22:24Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:Nehemiah 1:3And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.1 Samuel 20:30Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?2 Chronicles 32:5Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.1 Samuel 25:17Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.
Historical Context
Ancient warfare made walls essential. Nehemiah's rebuilding Jerusalem's walls was crucial for security (Nehemiah 1-6). A city without walls faced constant threat. Proverbs 16:32 similarly teaches: 'He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.' Paul lists self-control as fruit of Spirit (Galatians 5:23). Peter warns: 'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour' (1 Peter 5:8).
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of life lack self-control, leaving you vulnerable to spiritual attack?
- How can you build 'walls' of discipline that protect you from besetting temptations?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in developing self-control you cannot produce independently?
Analysis & Commentary
Whoever has no rule over his spirit is like a city broken down without walls. The Hebrew 'ma`tsar ruach' (restraint of spirit/self-control) and 'ir perutsah' (broken city without walls) creates vivid imagery. Ancient cities depended on walls for protection; broken walls meant vulnerability to every enemy. Similarly, lack of self-control leaves person vulnerable to every temptation. Self-discipline protects; impulsiveness exposes. Wisdom requires governing your spirit, not being governed by it.