Proverbs 16:32
New International Version
Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

New Living Translation
Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

English Standard Version
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

New King James Version
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

New American Standard Bible
One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And one who rules his spirit, than one who captures a city.

NASB 1995
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

NASB 1977
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

Legacy Standard Bible
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his own spirit, than he who captures a city.

Amplified Bible
He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier], And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city.

Christian Standard Bible
Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s emotions, than capturing a city.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s temper, than capturing a city.

American Standard Version
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.

Contemporary English Version
Controlling your temper is better than being a hero who captures a city.

English Revised Version
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Better to get angry slowly than to be a hero. Better to be even-tempered than to capture a city.

Good News Translation
It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.

International Standard Version
Whoever controls his temper is better than a warrior, and anyone who has control of his spirit is better than someone who captures a city.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Better to be slow to anger than to be a mighty warrior, and one who controls his temper is better than one who captures a city.

New Heart English Bible
One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.

Webster's Bible Translation
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.

World English Bible
One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Better [is] the [one] slow to anger than the mighty, "" And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.

Young's Literal Translation
Better is the slow to anger than the mighty, And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.

Smith's Literal Translation
He slow to anger is, good above the strong; and, he ruling over his spirit above him taking a city,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The patient man is better than the valiant: and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh cities.

Catholic Public Domain Version
A patient man is better than a strong one. And whoever rules his soul is better than one who assaults cities.

New American Bible
The patient are better than warriors, and those who rule their temper, better than the conqueror of a city.

New Revised Standard Version
One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he who conquers himself than he who takes a city.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He that is patient is better than a mighty man, and he that subdues himself, than he that seizes a city.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A man slow to anger is better than a strong man; and he that governs his temper better than he that takes a city.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD
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
James 1:19-20
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Ephesians 4:26-27
“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, / and do not give the devil a foothold.

Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.

2 Timothy 2:24
And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.

Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Ecclesiastes 7:9
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.

Psalm 37:8
Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.

Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.

Proverbs 19:11
A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 25:28
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.


Treasury of Scripture

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city.

that is

Proverbs 14:29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

and he

Proverbs 16:19
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 25:28
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Romans 12:21
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Proverbs 16
1. The Plans of the heart














He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior
This phrase emphasizes the value of self-control and patience over physical strength and military prowess. In the ancient Near Eastern context, warriors were highly esteemed for their ability to protect and expand territories. However, this proverb elevates the virtue of being "slow to anger," suggesting that inner strength and restraint are more commendable. This aligns with other biblical teachings, such as James 1:19-20, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." The comparison to a warrior highlights the cultural admiration for military heroes, yet it redirects that admiration towards those who master their emotions.

and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city
In ancient times, capturing a city was a significant military achievement, often involving strategic planning, strength, and leadership. This phrase suggests that the ability to control one's temper is an even greater accomplishment. The historical context of city conquests, such as those seen in the narratives of Joshua or David, underscores the magnitude of this comparison. The proverb implies that true leadership and greatness come from self-mastery rather than external conquests. This idea is echoed in the New Testament, where the fruit of the Spirit includes self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The emphasis on internal victory over external success points to a deeper spiritual truth, aligning with the teachings of Jesus, who often highlighted the importance of the heart's condition over outward appearances or achievements.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.

2. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.

3. Warriors and Cities
The imagery of warriors and cities reflects the ancient Near Eastern context, where military prowess and the conquest of cities were highly esteemed.
Teaching Points
The Value of Self-Control
In a world that often glorifies external achievements, Proverbs 16:32 reminds us that true strength lies in self-control and mastery over one's emotions.

Spiritual Warfare Over Physical Warfare
The verse elevates the spiritual battle over physical conquests, teaching that overcoming personal anger is a greater victory than any military success.

Anger Management as a Christian Virtue
Being slow to anger is not just a personal benefit but a reflection of Christ-like character, essential for maintaining peace and unity within the body of Christ.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit to cultivate this virtue in their lives.

Practical Steps to Control Anger
Practical applications include prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking accountability from fellow believers to help manage and control anger.(32) He that is slow to anger. . . .--For victory over self is the hardest of all victories. (Comp. 1Corinthians 9:27.)

Verse 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 est qui se quam qui fortissima vincit Moenia, nec virtus altius ire potest." So Publ. Syr., 'Sent.,' 795, "Fortior est qui cupiditates suas, quam qui hostes subjicit." And the mediaeval jingle -

"Linguam fraenare
Plus est quam castra domare."
At the end of this verse the Alexandrian Manuscript of the Septuagint, followed by later hands in some other uncials, adds, "and a man having prudence [is better] than a great farm."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[He who is] slow
אֶ֣רֶךְ (’e·reḵ)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 750: Long

to anger
אַ֭פַּיִם (’ap·pa·yim)
Noun - md
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

[is] better
ט֤וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

than a warrior,
מִגִּבּ֑וֹר (mig·gib·bō·wr)
Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant

and he who controls
וּמֹשֵׁ֥ל (ū·mō·šêl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 4910: To rule, have dominion, reign

his temper [is greater]
בְּ֝רוּח֗וֹ (bə·rū·ḥōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

than one who captures
מִלֹּכֵ֥ד (mil·lō·ḵêḏ)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere

a city.
עִֽיר׃ (‘îr)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:32 One who is slow to anger (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 16:31
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