Introduction

Greetings and peace to you in the name of Yeshua Messiah! Self controll is often either overlooked, or obsessed on. Let's take a look at a Proverb, and some other scriptural examples.

 

Proverbs 25:28 (TS2009):

"A man without self-control is like a city broken into, left without walls."

 

In the ancient world, a city’s walls were its first line of defense. Without these walls, a city was vulnerable to marauders, wild animals, and enemy armies. A city without fortifications symbolized vulnerability, chaos, and the impending collapse of social order. Proverbs 25:28 employs this powerful metaphor to describe the spiritual and emotional state of a person who lacks self-control. Just as an unguarded city invites destruction, a person who cannot govern their impulses leaves themselves open to spiritual and moral peril.

 

This article will delve into the significance of self-control in a believer’s life, the role of the Holy Spirit in cultivating this discipline, and the broader implications for those walking in a Messianic faith.

 

The Importance of Walls: Understanding the Metaphor

In biblical times, cities were built with walls as a crucial aspect of their infrastructure. These walls provided security, preserved the city’s resources, and enabled its people to live with peace of mind. Without these fortifications, the inhabitants of a city would live in constant fear, unable to focus on building, trading, or flourishing as a community. Similarly, Proverbs 25:28 teaches that self-control is the wall that protects a person’s soul, enabling them to focus on their relationship with God and their purpose in the world.

 

A person who lacks self-control is compared to a city “broken into,” left without defense against whatever might invade. This can be understood as succumbing to impulses such as anger, lust, greed, or fear. These impulses, when unchecked, have the power to destroy relationships, diminish spiritual growth, and lead one away from God’s will.

 

Self-Control as a Fruit of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit)

Self-control is not merely a human effort but is a fruit of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control among the nine fruits produced by the Spirit in the lives of believers. This indicates that true self-discipline is not something that can be achieved solely by our own strength; it is a manifestation of the Spirit’s work within us.

 

The Tanakh consistently stresses the importance of mastering one’s impulses. In Genesis 4:7, God warns Cain that “sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” This principle is echoed throughout the Bible and reaches its fulfillment in the times of Yeshua, where believers in Him are empowered by the Ruach HaKodesh to resist sin and live according to God’s commandments.

 

The Walls of Jerusalem: A Symbolic Connection

The metaphor of walls in Proverbs 25:28 can also be linked to the walls of Jerusalem. In Nehemiah’s time, the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls represented the restoration of the people’s identity and their covenant relationship with God. The walls were essential not only for physical protection but also as a sign that God’s presence and blessing had returned to His people.

 

The image of restoring walls carries deep significance. The walls symbolize the restoration of faith, identity, and spiritual boundaries in a world that often seeks to tear them down. Just as Nehemiah led the effort to rebuild the physical walls of Jerusalem, believers today are called to rebuild and maintain the spiritual walls in their lives. This is done by cultivating self-control, which keeps us aligned with God’s commands and protects us from spiritual compromise.

 

Yeshua’s Teaching on Inner Discipline

Yeshua often taught about the need for inner discipline, going beyond external observance to address the heart. In Matthew 5:21-22, Yeshua emphasizes that controlling one’s anger is as important as avoiding murder. In verses 27-28, He teaches that lustful thoughts are equivalent to adultery. These teachings underscore the need for inward self-control, a theme deeply connected to the wisdom found in Proverbs.

 

The true battle is often fought within the mind and heart. The call to “take every thought captive to obey Messiah” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and to “renew our minds” (Romans 12:2) points to the importance of internal self-discipline. This discipline, rooted in the Spirit’s work, becomes the foundation for living a life that honors God and reflects His holiness.

 

The Consequences of Living Without Walls

The absence of self-control not only leaves a person vulnerable to sin but can also lead to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and missed opportunities to reflect God’s character. Proverbs warns of the dangers that come when our emotions or desires govern our actions rather than godly wisdom and discipline.

 

For example, unchecked anger can lead to estrangement from loved ones, while an uncontrolled appetite might result in health issues. A lack of discipline in finances can bring debt and stress. Each of these situations parallels the destruction faced by a city with broken walls—chaos, insecurity, and a lack of peace.

 

In contrast, a life characterized by self-control is marked by stability, peace, and the ability to overcome challenges. Such a person is not easily shaken by trials, for their life is securely guarded by the discipline they have cultivated in partnership with the Ruach.

 

Practical Steps for Building Strong Spiritual Walls

1. Daily Submission to the Spirit: Begin each day by inviting the Ruach HaKodesh to guide your thoughts, actions, and responses. Consistently yielding to the Spirit strengthens the walls around your soul.

2. Study and Meditate on Scripture: Just as physical walls require maintenance, so too do spiritual walls. Regular engagement with God’s Word renews your mind and reinforces godly values and boundaries.

3. Accountability in Community: In ancient times, cities were defended by more than just walls; they had watchmen and gatekeepers. In the same way, having accountability within a community of believers can help you maintain discipline and resist temptation.

4. Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Be mindful of what you allow into your heart and mind, whether it be through media, relationships, or even your own thoughts.

5. Prayer and Fasting: Yeshua emphasized the importance of fasting as a means of cultivating self-discipline. Regular prayer and fasting strengthen your ability to resist fleshly desires and focus on spiritual growth.

 

Conclusion: Strengthening the City of Your Soul

Proverbs 25:28 is a profound reminder that self-control is not merely about behavior; it is about spiritual fortification. Just as a city without walls is destined for ruin, a life without self-discipline is exposed to spiritual and emotional danger. For those in the Messianic faith, cultivating self-control through the power of the Ruach HaKodesh is essential to living a life that reflects the holiness and character of Yeshua.

 

May we, like Nehemiah, be diligent in building and maintaining the spiritual walls that protect our souls, allowing us to stand firm in faith and walk in the fullness of God’s purposes.