Proverbs 25:28 “Self-Control: Protector & Defender”

“Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.”

A man with no self control is in extreme danger. Self control is like a strong wall built around a city which serves a two-fold purpose: protection by limitation and defense from outside marauders.

In ancient times, walls around cities limited the people from coming and going. In this way, self-control protects you by giving you the ability to limit yourself to that which is right and wise. As an example, in the financial world, this will allow you to limit your spending, permitting you to accumulate money and invest it wisely (e.g. in the spreading of the gospel).

The second purpose of the city’s wall was to provide a defense from enemies. Self-control defends you from outside marauders who would take advantage of you from giving into your passions (anger, love, etc.), appetites (food, sex, etc.), and will (impulsive spending, etc). Again, in the area of finance, there are plenty of people who will take your money if you lack self control. These are not limited to obvious scams and get-rich-quick schemes, but also debt institutions (e.g. credit card companies) which will be glad to put you in bondage.

As Christians, we are fortunate to have self-control as a fruit of the Spirit. By faithful growth in the Scriptures and walking in the Spirit, we can have the wonderful protection and defense.

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Related Scriptures: Proverbs 16:32; 22:24; 1 Corinthians 9:25-27; Galatians 5:23; Titus 2:2

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“What makes resisting temptation difficult for many people is they don't want to discourage it completely.”  - Franklin P. Jones