Proverbs 25:28 He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. Here is shown the ruinous condition of the person who has no rule over his own spirit. What can concern a man more than the art of self-government? It is inexcusable for a man to be a stranger to himself, and not to know how to make the best of his own natural powers and affections. I. WHAT IS IT TO HAVE RULE OVER OUR OWN SPIRITS We ought to consider the entire constitution of our minds. There is something in the spirit which has a right to dominion, as being in its nature superior; there are other parts which hold an inferior place, and ought to be in subjection. There is conscience, a sense of duty and sin, and of moral good and evil; a necessary self approbation arising from the one, and reproach and condemnation from the other. And there are propensities in our minds arising on particular occasions of life. These have been conquered, and may be. II. WHERE IS THE PROPER AUTHORITY LODGED? Some things are necessary effects of laws of nature, and in relation to them man has no rule. A man can inquire and deliberate. The active powers may be suspended while we deliberate. To have rule over our own spirits is to keep the passions under an exact discipline. And there are natural desires in men of very unequal moment which often rise to passions. The true end of self-government is that the superior powers of the mind may be preserved in their due exercise. (J. Abernethy, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.WEB: Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint. |
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