PROVERBS 25 - Self-Control

How many men of self-control do you know? Are they over 60 years old? Over 40? Over 30? Is there a relationship between age and self-control? Is there a relationship between wisdom and self-control? What is self-control? Isn't it simply the ability to limit oneself in situations that cause harm to others or ourselves? Or is it the ability to control ourselves, so that our actions, our words honor and please God?

Proverbs 25:28 says, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." In ancient times, there were walls around city so that the inhabitants of the city were not open to attack. The walls restricted the inhabitants, but they also protected the inhabitants from invasion. Similarly, self-control limits our actions but it also protects from the enemy's attack. When we are out of control, we hurt ourselves and others.

Proverbs 25:26 states, "Like a muddied spring or polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked." With self -control and wisdom, we can walk away from evil. We can stay away from R rated movies that show violence and sex; we can avoid the man who uses God's Holy Name in vain; we can avoid the female co-worker who wants to have an affair; we can flee from those who want us to cheat on big contracts.