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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/16-32.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/20_Pro_16_32.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 16:32 - The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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better to have self-control than to conquer a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>He that is</i> slow to anger <i>is</i> better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>He who is</i> slow to anger <i>is</i> better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And one who rules his spirit, than one who captures a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his own spirit, than he who captures a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who is slow to anger is better <i>and</i> more honorable than the mighty [soldier], And he who rules <i>and</i> controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s emotions, than capturing a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Patience is better than power, and controlling one&#8217s temper, than capturing a city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Controlling your temper is better than being a hero who captures a city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Better to get angry slowly than to be a hero. Better to be even-tempered than to capture a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever controls his temper is better than a warrior, and anyone who has control of his spirit is better than someone who captures a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Better to be slow to anger than to be a mighty warrior, and one who controls his temper is better than one who captures a city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Better [is] the [one] slow to anger than the mighty, "" And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Better is the slow to anger than the mighty, And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He slow to anger is, good above the strong; and, he ruling over his spirit above him taking a city,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The patient man is better than the valiant: and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh cities. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A patient man is better than a strong one. And whoever rules his soul is better than one who assaults cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The patient are better than warriors, and those who rule their temper, better than the conqueror of a city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he who conquers himself than he who takes a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that is patient is better than a mighty man, and he that subdues himself, than he that seizes a city.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A man slow to anger is better than a strong <i>man</i>; and he that governs <i>his</i> temper better than he that takes a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/16-32.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3280" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">31</span>Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness. <span class="reftext">32</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/750.htm" title="750: ’e·reḵ (Adj-msc) -- Long. From 'arak; long.">He who is slow</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’ap·pa·yim (N-md) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">to anger</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">is better</a> <a href="/hebrew/1368.htm" title="1368: mig·gib·bō·wr (Prep-m:: Adj-ms) -- Strong, mighty. Or gibbor; intensive from the same as geber; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant.">than a warrior,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: ū·mō·šêl (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">and he who controls</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: bə·rū·ḥōw (Prep-b:: N-csc:: 3ms) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">his temper is greater</a> <a href="/hebrew/3920.htm" title="3920: mil·lō·ḵêḏ (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- To capture, seize, take. A primitive root; to catch; generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose; figuratively, to cohere.">than one who captures</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘îr (N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">a city.</a> </span><span class="reftext">33</span>The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19-20</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a></span><br />But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-26.htm">Ephesians 4:26-27</a></span><br />“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, / and do not give the devil a foothold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-5.htm">Matthew 5:5</a></span><br />Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25</a></span><br />Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm">2 Timothy 2:24</a></span><br />And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12-13</a></span><br />Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a></span><br />Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:9</a></span><br />Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-8.htm">Psalm 37:8</a></span><br />Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></span><br />A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Proverbs 19:11</a></span><br />A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-28.htm">Proverbs 25:28</a></span><br />Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city.</p><p class="hdg">that is</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></b></br> <i>He that is</i> slow to wrath <i>is</i> of great understanding: but <i>he that is</i> hasty of spirit exalteth folly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Proverbs 15:18</a></b></br> A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but <i>he that is</i> slow to anger appeaseth strife.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Proverbs 19:11</a></b></br> The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and <i>it is</i> his glory to pass over a transgression.</p><p class="hdg">and he</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-19.htm">Proverbs 16:19</a></b></br> Better <i>it is to be</i> of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/25-28.htm">Proverbs 25:28</a></b></br> He that <i>hath</i> no rule over his own spirit <i>is like</i> a city <i>that is</i> broken down, <i>and</i> without walls.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21</a></b></br> Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-19.htm">Better</a> <a href="/job/5-13.htm">Captures</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-11.htm">City</a> <a href="/psalms/119-133.htm">Control</a> <a href="/job/37-15.htm">Controls</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-26.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Patient</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-2.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Ruleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-19.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Temper</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-19.htm">War</a> <a href="/psalms/127-4.htm">Warrior</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Better</a> <a href="/amos/3-5.htm">Captures</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-11.htm">City</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-28.htm">Control</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-14.htm">Controls</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Patient</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-2.htm">Ruleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Temper</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">War</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-2.htm">Warrior</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">The Plans of the heart</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of self-control and patience over physical strength and military prowess. In the ancient Near Eastern context, warriors were highly esteemed for their ability to protect and expand territories. However, this proverb elevates the virtue of being "slow to anger," suggesting that inner strength and restraint are more commendable. This aligns with other biblical teachings, such as <a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19-20</a>, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." The comparison to a warrior highlights the cultural admiration for military heroes, yet it redirects that admiration towards those who master their emotions.<p><b>and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city</b><br>In ancient times, capturing a city was a significant military achievement, often involving strategic planning, strength, and leadership. This phrase suggests that the ability to control one's temper is an even greater accomplishment. The historical context of city conquests, such as those seen in the narratives of Joshua or David, underscores the magnitude of this comparison. The proverb implies that true leadership and greatness come from self-mastery rather than external conquests. This idea is echoed in the New Testament, where the fruit of the Spirit includes self-control (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>). The emphasis on internal victory over external success points to a deeper spiritual truth, aligning with the teachings of Jesus, who often highlighted the importance of the heart's condition over outward appearances or achievements.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/warriors_and_cities.htm">Warriors and Cities</a></b><br>The imagery of warriors and cities reflects the ancient Near Eastern context, where military prowess and the conquest of cities were highly esteemed.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_self-control.htm">The Value of Self-Control</a></b><br>In a world that often glorifies external achievements, <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32</a> reminds us that true strength lies in self-control and mastery over one's emotions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare_over_physical_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare Over Physical Warfare</a></b><br>The verse elevates the spiritual battle over physical conquests, teaching that overcoming personal anger is a greater victory than any military success.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/anger_management_as_a_christian_virtue.htm">Anger Management as a Christian Virtue</a></b><br>Being slow to anger is not just a personal benefit but a reflection of Christ-like character, essential for maintaining peace and unity within the body of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit to cultivate this virtue in their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_steps_to_control_anger.htm">Practical Steps to Control Anger</a></b><br>Practical applications include prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking accountability from fellow believers to help manage and control anger.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_mirror_word_a_reliable_bible.htm">What does being slow to anger mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_christians_practice_martial_arts.htm">Can Christians engage in martial arts practice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_being_slow_to_anger_mean.htm">What does being slow to anger mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_impulse_control.htm">What does the Bible say about impulse control?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(32) <span class= "bld">He that is slow to anger. . . .</span>--For victory over self is the hardest of all victories. (Comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm" title="But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.">1Corinthians 9:27</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 32.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that is</span> <span class="cmt_word">slow to anger</span> (<a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a>) <span class="cmt_word">is better than the mighty.</span> The long suffering, non-irascible man is more of a hero than the valiant commander of a great army. One overcomes external foes or obstacles; the other conquers himself; as it is said, <span class="cmt_word">And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city</span> (<a href="/proverbs/25-28.htm">Proverbs 25:28</a>). 'Pirke Aboth,' 4:1, "Who is the hero? The man that restrains his thoughts." Maxims about self-mastery are common enough. Says an unknown poet, "Fortior est qui se quam qui fortissima vincit Moenia, nec virtus altius ire potest." So Publ. Syr., 'Sent.,' 795, "Fortior est qui cupiditates suas, quam qui hostes subjicit." And the mediaeval jingle - <p><span class="foreign">"Linguam fraenare<br />Plus est quam castra domare."</span> At the end of this verse the Alexandrian Manuscript of the Septuagint, followed by later hands in some other uncials, adds, "and a man having prudence [is better] than a great farm." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/16-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">[He who is] slow</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֣רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’e·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_750.htm">Strong's 750: </a> </span><span class="str2">Long</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to anger</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֭פַּיִם</span> <span class="translit">(’ap·pa·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] better</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֤וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than a warrior,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִגִּבּ֑וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(mig·gib·bō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1368.htm">Strong's 1368: </a> </span><span class="str2">Powerful, warrior, tyrant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he who controls</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמֹשֵׁ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mō·šêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4910.htm">Strong's 4910: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rule, have dominion, reign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his temper [is greater]</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֝רוּח֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rū·ḥōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than one who captures</span><br /><span class="heb">מִלֹּכֵ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(mil·lō·ḵêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3920.htm">Strong's 3920: </a> </span><span class="str2">To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a city.</span><br /><span class="heb">עִֽיר׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:32 One who is slow to anger (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/16-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 16:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 16:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:33" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>