These passages contain two Proverbs. The first Proverb says, “A gray head is a crown of glory. It is found in the way of righteousness.”
The Bible indicates that long life is one of the benefits of walking rightly before God. One of God’s 10 commandments speaks specifically of this benefit. The fifth commandment says, honor your father and mother that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” Honoring one’s parents is right in God’s eyes. A person will enhance their physical health and longevity of life if they do so.
On the other hand, the Bible says that a person given to sin will shorten their life because of the physical consequences of sin. Worse, they will jeopardize their being allowed into Heaven after they die.
The second Proverb says, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who captures a city.” An angry response is less effective than a response that is calm and thoughtful.
We all experience anger in some situations. It is always best to control our anger. Sometimes that is not easy. We must have self-control to avoid displaying anger when we become angry. How do we get that self-control?
The Bible says that God will grant us self-control when we believe in Jesus Christ. We will gain the fruits of the Holy Spirit which includes self-control. Having this self-control will enable us to diffuse tense situations and arguments. Furthermore, self-control will enhance our relationship with others.
