John Gill Commentary 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." — Proverbs 16:32 (ASV)

[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 can govern himself, and not suffer his passions to exceed due bounds, is superior in strength to him that can storm a castle or take a fortified city; it is easier to do the one than the other; courage of mind joined with wisdom, and assisted by a proper number of persons, may do the one; but it requires the grace of God, and the assistance of his spirit, thoroughly to do the other. Cicero says ^F20 , in all ages fewer men are found who conquer their own lusts than those who overcome the armies of enemies.''

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FOOTNOTES:

• F20: Epist. l. 5. Ep. 4.