The Splendor of Self-control

GOLDEN TEXT: “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

PROVERBS 14:29; 15:1-3; 20:1; 23:29-35

THE Apostle Peter lists self-control as one of the elements of character which the Christian should endeavor to add to his faith. He wrote that we should give “all diligence” in adding to our faith “virtue”—or fortitude—and to fortitude knowledge, and to knowledge “temperance”—or self-control. The foundation for Christian self-control is thus seen to be faith—faith in the “exceeding great and precious promises” by which we are “made partakers of the divine nature.”—II Pet. 1:4-6

The Christian should endeavor to control himself at all times, regardless of circumstances. His natural inclinations should not be allowed to dictate the policy of his life, for he has dedicated himself to the doing of God’s will, and oft-times the divine will runs contrary to our natural desires. This is why we need also to add “knowledge” to our faith; knowledge, that is, pertaining to the will of God for his consecrated people. One whose whole life is being controlled by the will of God will find it easier than others to keep himself in hand in the various emergencies which arise from time to time.

Our Golden Text speaks of those who are “slow to anger.” The reference here is evidently to what we sometimes describe as “fits of temper.” Some are more inclined to these sudden outbursts of anger than others; but regardless of our natural inclinations, as Christians we should endeavor to keep ourselves under control, to “rule” our “spirits.”

When anger takes control of the mind, reason is set aside. In these situations things are said and done which unduly injure others and often wound the conscience of the one who allows himself to indulge in these outbursts of unreason. Faith in God and in his overruling providences in our lives should help greatly in these emergencies; for if we realize that he understands better than we do, the circumstances which tend to inflame us, and could change or prevent them if he wished, we will endeavor more earnestly to bury our feelings and permit him to direct the outcome.

Love—unselfish, godlike love—should be the lodestar of every Christian’s life. “Love is kind,” wrote Paul. There is no excuse for a Christian ever to be unkind.

“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding,” our lesson states; “but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” (14:29) If we keep ourselves under control and take time to analyze the circumstances which tend to irritate us, we will usually find that the real facts are not as they at first appeared to be, and even if they are, nothing would be gained by an outburst of temper—nothing, that is, except to “exalt folly.”

In our associations as brethren in Christ we not only have the responsibility of controlling our own spirits individually, but also assisting one another to do the same. In this connection we have the advice that a “soft answer turneth away wrath.” If a brother or sister is overtaken in a fault of ill temper, it only adds to the “flame” to answer in the same vein. A “soft” or calmly spoken and well-reasoned answer is much more effective, and “ministers grace unto the hearer.”—Eph. 4:29

And what a check it should be on our emotions to remember that at all times “the eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” When circumstances annoy us to the point of exasperation it would be well to pause long enough to ask ourselves if the situation is such, as the Lord sees it, that he would want us to become angry over it. Could we justifiably, in a fit of temper, smite others and do it in the Lord’s name?

The last two passages of our lesson have to do with the evil of strong drink, and they very emphatically point out the seriousness of this evil and the frightful consequences to which it leads. Noah is the first one mentioned in the Scriptures to become intoxicated, and this blight upon mankind has continued unmitigated even until now.

Consecrated Christians should not need to be warned against this evil. However, we are constantly in danger of intoxication from the “wine” of false doctrine. The false church, pictured in the Book of Revelation as a harlot woman, made “all nations drunk” with her teachings pertaining to the union of church and state, styled the “wine of her fornication.”—Rev. 14:8; 17:2; 18:3

QUESTIONS

Quote the Apostle Peter’s admonition concerning self-control.

What is the foundation upon which all the elements of Christian character should be built?

How does faith in God help to control our emotions?

Explains how one who is “slow to wrath” is of “great understanding.”

How should the truth expressed in Proverbs 15:3 be utilized to help us control our emotions?

Should Christians need to be exhorted against the evil of strong drink?

Name various sorts of intoxication against which Christians need always to be on guard.

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