Proverbs 16:32

Proverbs 16:32 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
• New International Version (NIV)Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
• New King James Version (NKJV)He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Context of Proverbs 16:32

30He who [slyly] winks his eyes does so to plot perverse things; And he who compresses his lips [as if in a secret signal] brings evil to pass. 31The silver-haired head is a crown of splendor and glory; It is found in the way of righteousness. 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. 33The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.

Proverbs 16:32 word by word

ט֤וֹב אֶ֣רֶךְ אַ֭פַּיִם מִגִּבּ֑וֹר וּמֹשֵׁ֥ל בְּ֝רוּח֗וֹ מִלֹּכֵ֥ד עִֽיר׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• slowאָרֵךְ'ârêk · slowH750
• to angerאַף'aph · face: angerH639
• betterטוֹבţôb · pleasantH2896
• than the mightyגִּבּוֹרgibbôr gibbôr · mighty manH1368
• and he that rulethמָשַׁלmâshal · to ruleH4910
• his spiritרוּחַrûach · spiritH7307
• than he that takethלָכַדlâkad · to captureH3920
• a cityעִיר‛îyr ‛âr ‛âyar · cityH5892

Cross-references for Proverbs 16:32

• Proverbs 14:29He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control], But he who is quick-tempered exposes and exalts his foolishness [for all to see].
• Proverbs 15:18A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger and patient calms disputes.
• Proverbs 19:11Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].
• Psalms 103:8The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in compassion and lovingkindness.
• Ephesians 5:1Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];
• James 1:19Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving];
• Proverbs 16:19It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant).
• Proverbs 25:28Like a city that is broken down and without walls [leaving it unprotected] Is a man who has no self-control over his spirit [and sets himself up for trouble].
• Romans 12:21Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.
• Revelation 3:21He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant to him [the privilege] to sit beside Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down beside My Father on His throne.

Commentaries on Proverbs 16:32

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 32He that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city - It is much easier to subdue an enemy without than one within. There have been many kings who had conquered nations, and yet were slaves to their own passions. Alexander, who conquered the world, was a slave to intemperate anger, and in a fit of it slew Clytus, the best and most intimate of all his friends, and one whom he loved beyond all others. The spirit of this maxim is so self-evident, that most…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 32Verse 32 To overcome our own passions, requires more steady management, than obtaining victory over an enemy.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 32Patience and self-control are more valuable than using force.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 3232. (Compare Pr 14:29). taketh a city--that is, by fighting.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 16:32

• Anger
• Meekness
• Self-Denial

In the dictionaries

• Chief
• Divine
• Haughty
• Lot
• Pride
• Whisperer
• Anger
• Longsuffering
• Proverb
• Proverbs, the Book of

Commentaries on Proverbs 16

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings