Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
God promises strength and might for those who are slow to anger and are able to rule their own spirit. True inner strength and the might of a soldier are needed for us to rule our own spirit. Being “slow to anger,” controlling one’s temper, does not come easy for selfish, prideful sinners. It takes more inner strength than most humans naturally possess.
God promises this kind of inner strength to believers, who have His Spirit within. We are strong enough to rule over our own spirit when it rises up because of hurts, pains, troubles, and offenses. We may use the authority of Christ to rule over the “anger” enemy within. In Christ we have more power than an army taking a city. When we are moved by the Spirit to let Him exercise control over our negative emotions He promises to do just that.
Anger, bitterness, sadness, depression, and such feel like strong forces, but they are no match for the power and promise of God in Christ. God’s promises give us power to act.