Scripture
- Proverbs 14:17 – “A quick tempered man does
foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.”
- Proverbs 16:32 – “Better a patient man than a
warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.”
Reflection
The Bible offers many examples of individuals who
struggled with self-control, but perhaps none more dramatically than Samson.
Samson was uniquely blessed by God with superhuman strength, a gift he used to
fight the Philistines and lead Israel for twenty years. Yet, despite his
victories and his calling, Samson’s life was marked by a persistent struggle
with his emotions—particularly lust and anger. His story is a vivid
illustration of how unchecked emotions can lead even the strongest among us
into trouble. Samson’s journey was a roller coaster of highs and lows. At
times, he was devoted to worshiping God, but at other moments, he was
distracted by his desires, especially his attraction to Philistine women. The
most famous episode in Samson’s life involved Delilah, who tricked him into
revealing the secret of his strength—his long, uncut hair. When Delilah cut his
hair, Samson lost his strength, was captured, imprisoned, and ultimately met
his death. Despite many great victories, Samson’s inability to master his
emotions led to repeated failures and ultimately his downfall.
The lessons from Samson’s life are especially relevant
for those in high-pressure roles, such as sports officials. In these
environments, controlling our emotions is one of the most important
characteristics we can develop. The way we react to our crewmates, coaches,
players, and even the emotions of fans can determine how well we perform and
how we are perceived. A lack of self-control can manifest in poor body
language, a harsh or anxious tone of voice, and nervous communication within a crew.
Conversely, self-control is demonstrated through calmness and strength, both in
our body language and in our interactions.
Application
Proverbs
offers practical wisdom for cultivating self-control. Proverbs 14:17 warns that
“a quick tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated,” while
Proverbs 16:32 teaches, “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who
controls his temper than one who takes a city.” These verses remind us that
true strength is found not in physical power or outward achievement, but in the
ability to control our temper and practice patience. Samson’s story, paired
with the wisdom of Proverbs, challenges us to examine our own lives: Are we
ruled by our emotions, or do we rule over them? By seeking God’s help and
applying biblical wisdom, we can grow in self-control, respond thoughtfully
rather than impulsively, and reflect the calm strength that honors God and
blesses those around us.
Prayer
Heavenly
Father, teach me to respond with calmness and clarity, even when I am
challenged or provoked. Let my words and actions reflect the goodness You have
placed within my heart. Help me to be patient with others and with myself,
trusting that Your Spirit can empower me to overcome anger, anxiety, and
temptation. May I honor You by ruling over my emotions, rather than letting
them rule over me.
