Proverbs 16:32 kjv

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

Proverbs 16:32 nkjv

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Proverbs 16:32 niv

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 16:32 esv

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Proverbs 16:32 nlt

Better to be patient than powerful;
better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

Proverbs 16 verses

Proverbs 16 32 Meaning

Proverbs 16:32 declares that genuine strength and superiority are found not in external conquest or physical might, but in inner virtue: the ability to exercise self-control, particularly in restraining anger. It posits that a person who is patient and controls their temper holds greater value and exerts more significant influence than a celebrated warrior or conqueror who subdues a fortified city. This verse redefines what constitutes true power, shifting the focus from visible external achievements to invisible internal discipline.

Proverbs 16 32 Context

Proverbs 16 is part of the "Solomonic Proverbs" section (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), which primarily consists of two-line sayings designed to impart wisdom for daily living. This chapter frequently contrasts human planning with divine sovereignty, righteousness with wickedness, and true wisdom with foolishness. Earlier verses in the chapter speak of God's role in ordering human steps (v. 9), the importance of righteousness (vv. 12-13), and the benefits of fearing the Lord (v. 6). Verse 32 fits within this larger discourse by highlighting a crucial aspect of wise and righteous living: self-mastery over one's emotions. It implicitly contrasts the values of physical prowess, glorified in many ancient Near Eastern cultures that lauded conquerors, with a divinely inspired virtue—patient self-control.

Proverbs 16 32 Word analysis

• He who is slow to anger

  • Hebrew: אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם ('erekh 'appayim) - literally "long of nostrils/face." The nose was seen as the seat of anger (as rage causes quick, short breaths). "Long of nostrils" signifies patience, an unhurried, long-suffering spirit, delaying the outburst of wrath. This term is notably used to describe God's own character in places like Exod 34:6, Psa 103:8, and Joel 2:13, indicating a divine attribute made accessible to humanity through wisdom. It signifies deep spiritual self-possession.

• is better than the mighty

  • Hebrew: מִגִּבּוֹר (migibbor) - "from/than a mighty one," a hero, a warrior. The gibbor represents the conventional paragon of strength, power, and achievement in the ancient world. The comparison elevates internal discipline above celebrated physical dominance and military success. True strength is redefined from external might to internal moral fortitude.

• And he who rules his spirit

  • Hebrew: וּמֹשֵׁל בְּרוּחוֹ (umōshel biruchō) - "and one who rules/governs over his spirit/wind/breath/temper." Moshel denotes rulership, control, or dominion. Ruach refers to spirit, breath, or temper, highlighting mastery over one's inner being, emotions, and dispositions. This is the epitome of internal control.

• than he who takes a city

  • Hebrew: מִלֹּכֵד עִיר (milōkēd 'îr) - "from/than one who captures/seizes a city." Capturing a city was an immense feat in antiquity, demonstrating strategic prowess, military strength, and power. It was the ultimate external achievement of dominion. The proverb intentionally contrasts this grand, visible achievement with the invisible, yet profoundly impactful, conquest of self. This demonstrates the reordering of values in God's wisdom – internal spiritual victory surpasses external military triumph.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "He who is slow to anger... better than the mighty": This pairing directly contrasts a spiritual, emotional quality (patience) with a celebrated external attribute (physical strength/warfare). It declares patience as superior to conventional heroism.
  • "He who rules his spirit... than he who takes a city": This expands on the previous concept, emphasizing the specific act of self-governance over one's inner disposition (ruach) and setting it against the pinnacle of military conquest. The internal struggle and victory over self are valued far above external dominion over others or their territories.

Proverbs 16 32 Bonus section

This proverb can be understood as a profound expression of polemic against the prevailing values of the ancient world which prioritized military might and territorial acquisition. Many neighboring cultures idealized aggressive warriors and rulers who expanded their kingdoms through force. Proverbs 16:32, in contrast, argues that the most significant battles are fought internally, and the most admirable victories are those over one's own pride, passion, and impulsivity. It represents a "revolution" in values, teaching that true power is found not in imposing one's will on others or on the physical environment, but in establishing order and righteousness within one's own heart and mind. This concept aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes character, humility, and faithfulness over worldly glory and achievements. It speaks to a kingdom where inner transformation precedes outer influence.

Proverbs 16 32 Commentary

Proverbs 16:32 masterfully reorients the definition of power and greatness. In a world that universally applauded military conquerors and displays of physical might, this proverb radically declares that the greater triumph lies within the human spirit. It is more commendable to control one's own impulses and wrath than to conquer nations. The capacity for patience (slow to anger) and self-mastery (rules his spirit) mirrors God's own character, setting an exceedingly high, yet attainable, standard for human conduct. This inner discipline builds true resilience, promotes peace, and prevents destructive conflicts arising from unbridled passion. This teaching resonates throughout Scripture, asserting that internal righteousness and control are foundational to genuine spiritual strength and a life pleasing to God. For practical application, this means choosing quiet patience in response to provocation over immediate angry reaction; it is exercising self-restraint in word and deed, fostering peace where others might sow discord, reflecting divine grace rather than human impulsivity.