Proverbs 16:32

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:32

This recommends the grace of meekness to us, which will well become us all, particularly the hoary head, Prov. 16:31. Observe, 1. The nature of it. It is to be slow to anger, not easily put into a passion, nor apt to resent provocation, taking time to consider before we suffer our passion to break out, that it may not transgress due bounds, so slow in our motions towards anger that we may be quickly stopped and pacified. It is to have the rule of our own spirits, our appetites and affections,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:32

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty ,.... Than a mighty warrior or conqueror; as Alexander who conquered his enemies, and even all the world, and yet in his wrath slew his best friends: a man that is slow to anger is esteemed by the Lord, respected by men, and is happy in himself; and is preferable to the strongest man that is not master of himself and of his passions; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city ; one that has the command of his temper, that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:32

He that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city - It is much easier to subdue an enemy without than one within. There have been many kings who had conquered nations, and yet were slaves to their own passions. Alexander, who conquered the world, was a slave to intemperate anger, and in a fit of it slew Clytus, the best and most intimate of all his friends, and one whom he loved beyond all others. The spirit of this maxim is so self-evident, that most nations have formed similar... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:31-32

The gentle life Portrayed with exquisite sweetness and beauty. I. AN HONOURED AGE . The biblical pictures of the aged pious are very charming, and Polycarp, with his eighty-six years upon him, passing to another crown, that of martyrdom, is sublime; also "Paul the aged and the prisoner." The text points out what we must all recognize for an aesthetic truth, that it is the association of age with. goodness which makes it truly respectable, venerable, beautiful. II. MORAL ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:32

He that is slow to anger ( Proverbs 14:29 ) is better than the mighty. 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, And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city ( Proverbs 25:28 ). '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... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:32

Self-control The world has always made too much of military glory. From the days of the Pharaohs, when brutal monarchs boasted of the number of cities they had sacked, to our own time, when successful generals receive thanks in Parliament, and grants of money far beyond the highest honours and emoluments ever bestowed upon the greatest and most useful civilians, it has been the habit of men to flatter and pamper soldiers out of all proportion to their deserts. But we are here reminded of a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:32

(with Proverbs 14:17 , Proverbs 14:29 ) The command of ourselves Our attention is called to the two sides of the subject. I. THE EVIL OF IMPATIENCE . How bad a thing it is to lose command of ourselves and to speak or act with a ruffled and disquieted spirit appears when we consider that: 1 . It is wrong . God gave us our understanding, our various spiritual faculties, on purpose that we might have ourselves under control; and when we permit ourselves to be irritated... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 16:32

Proverbs 16:32. He that is slow to anger That can suppress its motions, and does not revenge, but shows himself ready to forgive injuries; is better than the mighty Because he is more like God, more wise to foresee, and to prevent mischief both to himself and others, which often arises from rash anger; of a more gallant and generous spirit, and more valiant and victorious. This is opposed to the perverse judgment of the world, who esteem such persons pusillanimous and cowardly; and he... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:1-33

Laying plans and making decisions (16:1-33)A person may make plans, but God is the one who determines their outcome. He knows the person’s unseen motives and controls events according to his purposes. It is important, therefore, always to bring God into one’s planning (16:1-4). God punishes the arrogant but has mercy on those who fear him (5-6). He protects them from harm and guides them on the right pathway (7-9).When a king’s wisdom comes from God, his decisions will be right. He will show no... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 16:32

the mighty = a mighty one. than he that taketh a city. Illustration: Je-hoshaphat (1 Kings 22:3 , 1 Kings 22:4 . Even if the city had been taken, which it was not). read more

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