Do You Rule Your Own Spirit?
Prov. 25:28
Solomon says that if you don’t rule your own spirit, you are like a “city that is broken down, and without walls”. That is not good. You are disorganized, and unprotected. None of us would choose to live in a city such as this, yet we live our lives like a broken down city without walls! Do you rule your own spirit or are you easily provoked to misuse of your mouth, swift to anger, or even prone to a haughty spirit? If you are married, your spouse can answer that question very easily. Your friends and relatives are a good source for answers. Usually we are not very good at self-diagnosis.
Prov.16:2 The Lord weights our spirits, because we think our ways are clean.
2 Cor.7:1 Yes your spirit can be filthy, and needs to be cleansed.
Prov.16:32 Ruling your spirit will help you be slow to anger, James 1:19 slow to wrath
Ps. 106:32-33 Moses “spake unadvisedly with his lips” because they provoked his spirit (context – Numbers 20:7-13, he smote the rock twice) There is a connection between your spirit and your mouth.
James 3 Entire chapter about your tongue
Prov.15:4, that unruly evil shows a “breach in the spirit”
Eph.4:29-32 The progression that takes place:
- Bitterness – it’s inside, unseen, just like a root – Heb.12:15
- Wrath – That’s when you get mad about it
- Anger – Now it starts to show on the outside!
- Clamour – Then voices begin to get elevated
- Evil speaking – Start saying bad things, some not true, none can be undone or unsaid.
- Malice – this is when it becomes physical
Prov. 13:10 The source of this contention is Pride, not ruling your spirit
Prov. 16:18 Stay clear of a haughty spirit! Prov. 16:19, Stay low
Prov. 29:23 Pride will bring you low (not a good low), but honour comes with humility
Prov. 18:12 Before honour is humility, a humble spirit will guard your mouth and bring your honour.
Prov. 17:27 You need knowledge and understanding to have an “excellent spirit”
Prov.9:10 The fear of the Lord, and knowledge of the Holy (your bible) Spend time each day with the Lord to make adjustments to your spirit, rule your own spirit
1 John 1:7 The blood of Christ will cleanse your spirit!