Break it Down!

"Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls."

Proverbs 25:28

The Word of God is more insightful than we often give it credit for.  My family and I have been reading through the Proverbs together.  It is easy to read a statement and not take time to give it deeper thought.  But below the surface lies truth so profound we benefit greatly from meditating on it.  Take the proverb above, for example.  Do you think you or your children can understand it without explanation?  It would be better to explain a single proverb in detail than reading a thousand without discussion.

This proverb uses an analogy which compares the man who has no rule over his spirit to a city broken down without walls.  How does a man rule over his spirit?  There are many correct answers:  self-control concerning temper, judgments, fear, worry, cares, and many more.  The scripture teaches us that no man can even tame his own tongue:  how much less the heart?

Now consider the term "a city broken down."  Without shelter, people would have no place for protection or rest.  It would be difficult to prepare meals or enter into productive labour.  What could be the cause of this breaking?  It could be from neglect of maintenance.  It could also be the product of assault and warfare.  King Nebuchadnezzar left not one stone in place when he razed Jerusalem.  Walls can break because of poor design or craftsmanship.  A huge earthquake, flood, fire, or some other natural disaster could cause walls to break.  Faulty building materials could be to blame for a collapsed building.  We could add many more causes to our list.

The city is not only broken down but is described as being "without walls."  What are the purposes of walls?  A primary purpose would be protection from enemies.  Watchmen would have a safe place on the high walls to observe any potential threats and warn people within the city to prepare for battle.  Not only would walls keep out enemies, but they provide safe boundaries for those within.  A wall also sets clear limits of the city to prevent confusion.  King Saul and his sons were hung from the walls of Beth Shean to proudly display their bodies as trophies of battle.  Walls give people within the city a sense of security and safety.

With this in mind, what can we know about the man who has no rule over his spirit?  The Bible teaches us that only those who submit to the rule of the Holy Spirit have the capacity to rule over their own spirit!  Only those who walk in the Spirit will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.  The desires and impulses of our flesh can only be restrained for a season.  But those who have crucified the flesh with its lusts through faith in Christ are fortified on this Rock of Salvation.  God has made Christians the Temple of the Holy Spirit and filled these earthen vessels with His glory.  We have protection, safety, wisdom, and help from God to honor and obey Him with our thoughts, attitudes, and deeds.  Without God's rule we are slaves to sin and Satan.  In this condition we are without protection or defense, without watchman or security, in utter confusion and ruin.  Any moment we can be overrun by sin which is more fearsome than deadly raiders who rape, thieve, kill, and destroy.

Aside from the lesson contained in this rich passage, may this process of meditating on the Word of God become part of our daily practice.  Allow and invite God to open His inspired Word to consume your thoughts as you carefully ruminate upon it.  Invite God to teach and minister to your soul as you willfully engage your mind to seek Him.  As we break down God's Word, He will build us up.  Build your church, LORD Jesus!