Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city. Above all conquests of states and cities is the greater conquest of self. Greater is the man who conquers himself, who rules his own spirit, and brings his whole being under the supremacy of will, than he who takes a city — greater in his character, deeds, results. The outcome of a life depends on the answer to two questions — what a man thinks of himself; what he does with himself. The two closely-related and all essential conditions of genuine manhood are self-respect and self-control. I. SELF-RESPECT involves a sense of the dignity which belongs to humanity: a sense of one's individuality, and the consequent maintenance of one's selfhood. Distinction, in such a world as this, is gained, not by following the multitude, but by standing aside in your own personality while the vulgar crowd sweep by. As a reason for conduct, "They all do it" is a cheap and silly excuse. There comes with a sense of dignity and individuality an insight into the significance of a man's life, and an overmastering thought of its measureless responsibilities, and a full impression of the sacredness of life. There is too much that is great and sacred in man's nature and destiny to permit him to misuse a life so richly endowed. Such self-respect is in no way self-conceit. II. SELF-CONTROL, OR SELF-GOVERNMENT. If such is our being, there must be some strong power to preside over it. "I must be my own master," the self-respecting man says. Then he will want to know the scope of the government to be maintained. It must seek a man's own highest interests, the real interests of others, and the honour of God; and it must fulfil all obligations arising from this highest of relationships. This a first law: nothing deleterious to character — either of our own or that of another — shall ever be permitted. But true self-government does not stop with self-restraint. It demands the right exercise of every power to the fullest measure of ability. It involves the highest self-development, and the largest happiness to others. III. THE FRUITS OF SELF-RESPECT AND SELF-GOVERNMENT. 1. All the higher parts of a man's being are ennobled and given their rightful sway; all the lower are rightly held in subjection. The conscience becomes supreme. All the moral powers are in full development and play. The will is chief executive, and God is an active power, a real factor in practical life. The entire man is at his best. 2. Thus is realised the proper end of all true education. 3. This quality of self-control pre-eminently prepares us for great emergencies. Self-respect is the early form in which greatness appears; it is our practical perception of the Deity in man. "Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control, These three alone, lead life to sovereign power." (C. H. Payne, D.D., LL.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. |
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