“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
That is not me. Before you judge I know enough of you to know that it is not many of you as well. I confess that our society, as well as some great historic movies, have me wanting to be the warrior taking cities. The patient, self controlled role seems better suited to the stay at home folk. Early in my ministry and marriage I was the press on to conquer cities for Christ guy. My wife was very patient while I went off half cocked and ill prepared for the battles ahead. Ultimately it was her patient and self controlled life that kept us afloat and allowed me to learn the lessons of our King. A better translation of the warrior in this verse is an angry man. Patience always, I repeat always, produces better outcomes than anger. The image of taking a city is a representation of an angry person fighting. As we see the person behind the language it becomes easier to understand why a patient person who keeps their emotions under control tends to come out on top. James encourages us to slow down and listen. Today bite your tongue, control your anger and listen. #BeTheEdge
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19 NIV
