Proverbs 16:32 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

He that is slow to anger That can suppress its motions, and does not revenge, but shows himself ready to forgive injuries; is better than the mighty Because he is more like God, more wise to foresee, and to prevent mischief both to himself and others, which often arises from rash anger; of a more gallant and generous spirit, and more valiant and victorious. This is opposed to the perverse judgment of the world, who esteem such persons pusillanimous and cowardly; and he that ruleth his spirit That hath power to govern all his own inclinations, affections, and passions by reason; than he that taketh a city Hath a nobler empire than he that subdues cities and countries by force of arms. For the conquest of ourselves, and our own unruly passions, requires more true conduct, and a more steady, constant, and regular management, than the obtaining of a victory over the forces of an enemy. A rational conquest is more honourable to a rational creature, than a brutal one; it is a victory that doth nobody any harm; no lives or treasures are sacrificed to it, but only some base lusts. It is harder, and therefore more glorious, to quash an insurrection at home than to resist an invasion from abroad; nay, such are the gains of meekness, that by it we are more than conquerors.