| The Beauty of Self Control |
Chapter 1 |
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There are men who rule other men and cannot rule themselves. They are victorious in battle, but they cannot control their own temper, restrain their own speech, or hold in calm quiet their own spirits. There is nothing beautiful in such a life. Nothing more effectually mars a life than fretfulness, discontent, worry, impatience. Nothing is more pitiful than a life made to be strong, kingly, noble, calm, peaceful, but which is, instead, the play of every excitement, every temper, every resentment, every appetite and passion. Someone says, “Alexander conquered all the world, except — Alexander.”
Not only is self control strong — it is also beautiful. Anger is not beautiful. Ungoverned temper is not lovely. Rage is demonic. But a spirit calm, strong, and unflustered, amid storms of feeling and all manner of disturbing emotions, is sublime in its beauty. “A temper under control, a heart subdued into tenderness and patience, a voice cheerful with hope, and a countenance bright with kindness, are invaluable possessions to any man or woman.”
The Bible furnishes examples of self control. One is in the story of King Saul’s anointing. The people received him with great enthusiasm. “All the people shouted, and said, Long live the King.” He then went to his house, and there went with him the host. But there were a few who refused to shout. “Certain worthless fellows said, how shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no present.” Saul might have resented the insult offered him, for he was king now, and might have slain those who refused to receive him; but he restrained himself and spoke not a word. Amid the sneers and scoffs of these worthless men he was as though he heard nothing of all they said. He held his peace.
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