Without self-discipline life degenerates into mere existence. King Solomon wrote more than 4,000 years ago: “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). What a fascinating comparison! I want us to examine that verse in a minute.
In those days, walls were built as a protective shield against an enemy's attack. A city may be attacked at any time of the day, month and years; hence watchmen were placed on those walls to alert the citizens in case of any impending attack.
Therefore, the very first implication of a city that has no walls is that they can be attacked at anytime. A wall-less city is defenseless and is always at the mercy of an enemy. When a man is without self-control, he becomes a pawn in the hands of his enemy. His emotions and mind can be invaded at any time. He loses control of his emotions because of something someone says or did, he has no control of his thoughts and appetites, his actions are not in line with his values, goals and vision.
A man without self-discipline is constantly living in fear and anxiety. Since he has no defensive cover, he's often living in apprehension, not knowing when he would be attacked by the enemy. In this case, his enemy could be unplanned events of life, behaviors of people, or his own weakness and vulnerability.
The wise king Solomon, more than 4,000 years ago, used his words to paint for us the perfect picture of a man who has no self-discipline, and it is a very frightening one. So pity not the man who has no money, nor the woman who has no child of her own. Pity the man or woman without self-discipline!
Comments
Post a Comment