Don’t Let Anger Lead (Let God Guide You Instead)
In ancient times, city walls provided essential protection from enemies—without these structures, a city was vulnerable to attack, theft, and destruction. Karin Hadadan, best-selling author of Beauty in the Stillness, emphasizes our need to practice self-control daily, for if we react out of spite, we lose our alignment with God.
Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
Proverbs 25:28
This verse uses a powerful metaphor, comparing a city with broken walls to a person lacking self-control, both vulnerable to various dangers. Self-discipline functions as protection for our character, relationships, morals, values, and well-being. The ability to master ourselves is not optional for spiritual and emotional health, but essential for protection from anything or anyone that may harm us.
There are several areas within our lives that require self-control: in our words, so we speak with love rather than wounding others through anger or harsh expressions; in our emotions, allowing ourselves to be human while not becoming entrapped by anger, sadness, or resentment that may close our hearts; in our appetites, indulging to nourish our bodies from a place of love rather than using consumption as a coping mechanism. Yet when we lack self-control, we often experience difficulty achieving goals, make poor decisions, and damage relationships.
The path to developing self-control begins with a moment of pause—creating space to respond from a calm state rather than a reactive one. It is within each mindful pause that we experience spiritual maturity—understanding that true self-control isn’t rigid restriction but rather wisdom that protects us. The balance comes in recognizing that too little self-control leaves us vulnerable like that city with broken walls, while excessive control can become legalism that stifles the grace and freedom God intends for us. Self-control, when properly understood, doesn’t diminish our freedom but actually secures the space in which true freedom can flourish.
Self-control is a vital part of spiritual growth, reflecting both discipline and trust in God’s guidance. Yet, many of us find ourselves repeating old patterns that hinder progress and peace. Developing discipline isn’t just about willpower—it’s about relying on divine strength to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
By asking God to help repair the “broken walls” within our character, we create stronger boundaries that protect our hearts and relationships. Each moment of pause becomes a spiritual opportunity—to breathe, to pray, to choose patience over reaction. Through God’s grace, we find that discipline isn’t about perfection, but about alignment—learning to live in step with the Spirit while trusting His guidance through every struggle and shortcoming.
