Proverbs 16:32
Proverbs 16:32 in Multiple Translations
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.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.
He who is slow to be angry is better than a man of war, and he who has control over his spirit than he who takes a town.
Better to be slow to anger than to be powerful, better to have self-control than to conquer a town.
He that is slowe vnto anger, is better then the mightie man: and hee that ruleth his owne minde, is better then he that winneth a citie.
Better [is] the slow to anger than the mighty, And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.
One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.
The patient man is better than the valiant: and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh cities.
Those who do not become angry quickly are better than those who are powerful; it is better to ◄control your temper/keep yourself from becoming very angry► than to conquer a city.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:32
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 16:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ט֤וֹב
אֶ֣רֶךְ
אַ֭פַּיִם
מִ/גִּבּ֑וֹר
וּ/מֹשֵׁ֥ל
בְּ֝/רוּח֗/וֹ
מִ/לֹּכֵ֥ד
עִֽיר
ט֤וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
אֶ֣רֶךְ
ʼârêk
H750
slow
Adj
אַ֭פַּיִם
ʼaph
H639
face
N-md
מִ/גִּבּ֑וֹר
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Prep | Adj
וּ/מֹשֵׁ֥ל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
Conj | V-Qal
בְּ֝/רוּח֗/וֹ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Prep | N-cs | Suff
מִ/לֹּכֵ֥ד
lâkad
H3920
to capture
Prep | V-Qal
עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:32
ט֤וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
אֶ֣רֶךְ
ʼârêk
H750
"slow"
Adj
This word describes something or someone as long or patient, often referring to God's slow anger. It is used to describe long pinions or being patient. The KJV translates it as long-suffering or patient.
Definition: 1) long (pinions) 2) patient, slow to anger
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: long(-suffering, -winged), patient, slow (to anger). See also: Exodus 34:6; Proverbs 15:18; Psalms 86:15.
אַ֭פַּיִם
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-md
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
מִ/גִּבּ֑וֹר
gibbôwr
H1368
"mighty man"
Prep | Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
וּ/מֹשֵׁ֥ל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
Conj | V-Qal
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
בְּ֝/רוּח֗/וֹ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
מִ/לֹּכֵ֥ד
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
Prep | V-Qal
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:32
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:32
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:32
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
30He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
31Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.
32He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.
33The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 1:19 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:18 | A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute. |
| 3 | Proverbs 25:28 | Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper. |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:29 | A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. |
| 5 | Proverbs 19:11 | A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. |
| 6 | Romans 12:21 | Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. |
| 7 | Psalms 103:8 | The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. |
| 8 | Ephesians 5:1 | Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, |
| 9 | Revelation 3:21 | To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. |
| 10 | Proverbs 16:19 | It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud. |
Proverbs 16:32 Summary
[Proverbs 16:32 teaches us that being slow to anger and controlling our temper is a very important part of living a wise and godly life, as it allows us to respond to situations in a thoughtful and loving way, rather than reacting impulsively, and it is a key aspect of demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23. This means taking time to think before reacting to a situation, and choosing to respond in a way that is calm and respectful, even when we are feeling angry or frustrated, as seen in Proverbs 14:29 and James 1:19. By doing so, we can build stronger relationships with others and bring glory to God, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 and Matthew 5:16. As we strive to cultivate this quality in our own lives, we can look to the example of Jesus, who demonstrated perfect self-control and patience in the face of challenging situations, as seen in Matthew 27:12 and 1 Peter 2:23.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be slow to anger?
Being slow to anger means taking time to think before reacting to a situation, as seen in Proverbs 16:32, and it is a characteristic of a wise and patient person, as described in Proverbs 14:29 and James 1:19.
Is it possible to control my temper if I have a bad temper?
Yes, with the help of the Holy Spirit, it is possible to control your temper, as written in Galatians 5:22-23, which lists self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, and in Proverbs 16:32, which says that he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.
Why is self-control important according to Proverbs 16:32?
Self-control is important because it allows us to respond to situations in a wise and thoughtful way, rather than reacting impulsively, and as Proverbs 16:32 says, it is a greater achievement than many external accomplishments, such as capturing a city, and it is also a key aspect of living a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8.
How can I develop the ability to be slow to anger and control my temper?
Developing the ability to be slow to anger and control your temper requires a combination of self-reflection, prayer, and practice, as well as a willingness to submit to the Holy Spirit's work in your life, as described in Ephesians 4:26-27 and Proverbs 15:1, and it is also important to surround yourself with wise and supportive people who can help you grow in this area, as seen in Proverbs 27:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I tend to react impulsively, and how can I work on being slower to anger in those situations?
- How can I balance being slow to anger with standing up for what is right and just, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9 and Isaiah 1:17?
- What are some practical ways I can practice self-control in my daily life, such as in my interactions with others or in my reactions to challenging situations, and how can I use these opportunities to grow in my faith, as described in Romans 5:3-5 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10?
- How can I use Proverbs 16:32 as a reminder to prioritize self-control and patience in my relationships with others, and what are some ways I can demonstrate these qualities in my interactions with family, friends, and coworkers, as seen in Colossians 3:12-14 and 1 Peter 3:8-12?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty - than a mighty here.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger, not apt to revenge, but ready to forgive injuries, is better than the mighty, because he is more like to God, more wise to foresee and to prevent mischief, both to himself and others, which oft cometh from rash anger, of a more gallant and generous spirit, and more valiant and victorious, as it follows. This is opposed to the perverse judgment of the world, who esteem such persons pusillanimous and cowardly. That ruleth his spirit; that subdueth his passions; for his victory is the more glorious, because he fights with the stronger enemy; he conquers by his own, and not by other men’ s hands, and he gets a greater glory and advantage to himself, and that without the injury and ruin of others, wherewith the conquests of cities are commonly attended.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:32
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.Ver. 32. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty.] Unruly passions are those Turks, saith one, that we must constantly make war with. Those Spaniards, with whom, as another saith, whoever made peace, gained nothing but repentance. Pax erit infida, pax incerta, as Livy saith of that which the Romans made with the Samnites; a peace worse than war, as Augustine saith of the peace brought in by Sulla. Men must be at deadly feud with those "lusts that war in their members," "fighting against their souls." These to conquer is the noblest and most signal victory, since in subduing these we overcome the devil, as in yielding to them, we "give place" to him, and entertain him into our very bosoms. Passionate persons, though they be not drunk, yet are not they their own men; but have so many lusts, so many lords, conquering countries, as Alexander, vanquished of vices; or as the Persian kings, who commanded the whole world, but were commanded by their concubines. How much better Valentinian the emperor, who said, upon his deathbed, that among all his victories one only comforted him; and being asked what that was, he answered, I have overcome my worst enemy, mine own naughty heart. “ Latius regnes, avidum domando Spiritum, quam si Lybiam remotis Gadibus iungas, et uterque poenus Serviat uni. ” - Horat., Carm., lib. ii. I cannot better translate it than by Solomon’ s next words, He that ruleth his spirit, is better than he that taketh a city.] See this exemplified in Jacob, who did better, when he heard of the rape of Dinah, in "holding his peace," than his sons did in taking and pillaging the city Shechem. None was to triumph in Rome that had not gotten five victories. He shall never triumph in heaven that subdueth not his five senses himself.
Liv. Hist., lib. ix. De Civ. Dei., lib. iii. cap. 28. Isidor. Tranq.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:32
(32) He that is slow to anger. . . .—For victory over self is the hardest of all victories. (Comp. 1 Corinthians 9:27.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:32
Verse 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 proverbs. The classical reader will remember the following in HOR., Odar. lib. ii., Od. 2:- Latius regnes, avidum domando Spiritum, quam si Libyam remotis Gadibus jungas, et uterque Poenus Serviat uni. "By virtue's precepts to control The furious passions of the soul, Is over wider realms to reign, Unenvied monarch, than if Spain You could to distant Libya join, And both the Carthages were thine." FRANCIS. And the following from OVID is not less striking: --------Fortior est qui se, quam qui fortissima vincit Moenia, nec virtus altius ire potest. "He is more of a hero who has conquered himself, than he who has taken the best fortified city." Beyond this self-conquest the highest courage can not extend; nor did their philosophy teach any thing more sublime.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:32
32. Of the many parallels to the sentiment of this proverb that are to be found in classical literature, none is closer than the familiar saying of Ovid (Epist. ex Pont. ii. 16:75): “Fortior est qui se, quam qui fortissima vincit Mœnia; nec virtus altius ire potest.” Lange and others quote Pirke Aboth, iv.2, where the question; Who is a hero?, is answered by reference to this verse.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:32
32. Slow to anger, etc. — The high moral tone of this maxim has caused it to be much repeated in various languages. Its beauty and good sense are a sufficient comment. Compare Matthew 5:5; Proverbs 15:1.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Greatest Thing Is Love by Ernest Barker | In this sermon, the speaker uses a fable about two bears in the woods to illustrate the importance of self-control and unity among believers. The bears try to imitate the behavior |
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Proverbs 25- Anger Destroys Families" by Nofo Eletise | This sermon emphasizes the importance of key virtues in the Christian life, focusing on patience, privacy, wisdom, gentleness, kindness, and self-control. It highlights the need fo |
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The Discipline of Disdain - 23 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening and being slow to speak and anger. He highlights the need to trust in God during times of shaking and suffering. |
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How to Be Good and Mad by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of being both good and mad. He shares a personal story about a man he knew who had a terrible temper and was always angry. Despite t |
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Why Are You Angry? by Israel Wayne | This sermon by Israel Wayne focuses on the topic of anger, exploring the biblical perspective on anger, its roots, and the importance of self-control. Wayne delves into the dangers |
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God Is Focused on the Quality of My Offering by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a deep love for God's family and the need to prioritize loving and caring for His people above all else. It highlights the significa |
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How to Walk by the Spirit by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity of understanding and walking by the Spirit to engage in spiritual warfare against the powers of darkness. He explains that the human spirit is |