He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls. —Proverbs 25:28

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22–23). It develops as we spend time fellowshipping with God and practicing obedience to Him. Sometimes we would rather that God control us and make us do the right thing. But He wants us to rule over our spirit.

Proverbs 16:32 says, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, he who rules his [own] spirit than he who takes a city.” It takes self-control not to get offended, not to become angry every time somebody doesn’t do something the way we want it done.

Self-control is needed over our thoughts, our words, and our appetites. But once we master our own spirit, we are considered to be powerful in the eyes of God—stronger than one who takes a city.

From the book Starting Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2003 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.