Self-Control……an unwalled city

“A man who can't control himself
is like a city whose walls are broken down”.   Prov. 25:28  NIRV

During biblical times, walls defined a city.  Those who lived outside of cities were at the mercy of marauders or armies passing through.  The walled cities allowed civilization to develop and thrive.

A city without walls could not serve that purpose.

How is a man without self-control like an unwalled city? 

He too is unprotected from dangers.  These dangers could be inside of you:  the uncontrolled craving for sex, the desire for thrills, the aspiration for recognition, the compulsion for money, the lust for power and/or the need for entertainment.  

Each of these desires or cravings can overpower the person lacking self-control, leading them into danger. 

Alternately, the dangers could be outside of you-----a person who will entice you playing on your inner desires in order to get you to do something beneficial for them.

The Greek word for self-control means “restraining passions and appetites”.

A person without self-control will never attain their long term goals.   They will always be diverted from the tasks necessary for accomplishing that goal by entertaining temptations and lusts.

The person may well desire to achieve that goal, but without some degree of self-control they will never attain it.

Paul tells us that the fruit of the Spirit includes self-control.   We need that self-control to attain Godliness.

“….the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control.  There is no law against such things as these”.               Gal. 5:22-23 GNT