When it comes to problems and conflicts, some consider it necessary to display their might and set things right by getting matters off their chest. Yet they are utterly oblivious to any harm done by their unfettered passions. Our proverb points us to a better way, a way hidden from those given to verbal or attitudinal might. The battlefield is the heart, and for any person who rules over his spirit and thereby his reactions, the victory is already recorded.
The person not given to rash reactions is better than the mighty; the one who rules his spirit is better than he who captures a city.
—Solomon, Wisdom Teacher
Not long after God had miraculously delivered the Israelites from Egypt, they crossed the Jordan River and came to the city of Jericho—a great ancient city, but according to the even greater Hebrew God: Jericho had to fall. The city, however, presented a problem for the Israelites. The massive walls were several yards thick, and the people within the walls lay in waiting. The Hebrew God offered a solution: March around Jericho daily for seven days, and on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, blowing your trumpets. The Hebrews followed God’s instructions and at the end of the final time around the city, they also gave a loud shout. Amazingly, the walls tumbled down.
Like the Hebrew’s strange strategy at Jericho, wisdom suggests an unusual battle plan: patience and forbearance. While this strategy is contrary to the norm, it has a way of bringing down walls, walls erected not with stone, but with hard feelings.
Sometimes objectionable passions well up within me, and when I sense this inner swell (as if it originates from the heart) it serves as a cue for me to check my emotions and gain victory over the intensifying feelings. The person who reacts without thinking makes rash decisions. But the self-aware person, the one who knows his inner rumblings, catches and subdues his reaction before it gets out of control. Patience or forbearance is the ability to check rising tensions, frustrations, and anxieties.
I am so grateful for having the opportunity to read John’s book. His beautiful writing hooked me from the start and touched my heart. His book celebrates prayer and offers countless insightful reflections on the topic. It merges psychological insight with a wealth of philosophical, historical, and spiritual reflections, giving readers a deep appreciation for this beautiful topic.
Bozena Zawisz
Author, Liberating Inner Eve
The virtues of patience and forbearance possess the power to overlook transgressions. Through patience we can bear any annoyance: like provocation, misfortune, or pain. In forbearance we refrain from enforcing anything we are due: like a debt, right, or obligation. When we are slow to react we manifest strength, strength with the power to pacify contentions, subdue wrath, and bring about peace (Proverbs 15: 18).
A person who captures a city is powerful indeed, and a person of political influence is mighty as well; but we can outdo the powerful and mighty, not with greater strength but with something completely unexpected—patience and forbearance. Of all the virtues, none has the same power to make one stronger or to persuade others. The possessor of these virtues is truly mighty.
Questions for thought:
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.
- How is it possible for patience and forbearance to be positions of strength?
- What are the similarities and differences between patience and forbearance?
- How can you gain the victory in times when your patience or forbearance wanes?
This post is from the book, "The Path of Wisdom," entry 46 (see also entries 7, 10, 16, 42, and 57). With this inspirational and motivational self-help book, you will get more out of life... not in just one aspect of your life but in all areas. "The Path of Wisdom" consists of 100 entries of roughly 400 to 450 words per entry, great for easy reading, personal reflection, or group study. If you found this post helpful, feel free to share using the "share" buttons below.
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May 2, 2019
Wise words thanks for sharing
May 3, 2019
My patience is gone. Have had the worst 12+ years of my life. I did everything, that society said to do, to be successful. College degree, church goer, charity giver, nice person, kind, etc.
UNEMPLOYED!
Bitter and angry.
I WANT MY LIFE BACK, THE ONE I HAD PRIOR TO 2008!
May 4, 2019
Sandra: I’m not going to offer you some “pat” answer. It’s quite understandable that after 12 years of struggle your patience is gone. Mine would be gone too. I would like to see you get your life back, or a better one, for that matter. My prayer is that God will meet you in your pain and restore your life.
May 5, 2019
Thanks for sharing
May 6, 2019
Patience is a hard lesson to learn 🙂 I know it has been for me over the years, but I have learned to wait on the Lord and He always brings things to pass at just the right time. While I’m waiting, I’m praying and that brings me to a closer relationship with God. It’s not always easy or pleasant, but I’ve learned the rewards are so much better!
Great post, thanks for sharing.