Post published by Chris_Cactusblossom
Reading Proverbs 16:32 in the KJV, it seems to me that by 'spirit' the translator means the animal soul. I'm also thinking this is the 'nephesch', which needs to be conquered by the rational mind, to effect the link between man and God:
"He that is slow to anger is better than the mights; and he that ruleth his animal soul than he that taketh a city."
Not just quibbling with words here - the distinction between Spirit/Godhead, the rational/moral human mind-will-intellect, and the soul-body we share with the animals is really important for knowing what we're dealing with when it comes to addiction, sin, and reaching for God.
Also, Hi! Thanks for having me.
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Tao Jones
I think the NIV gets it right on this one: "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." The idea being expressed is about self-control, which is a gift of the Spirit. We attain it by trading in our tired, broken lives for Life in Christ, which is an ongoing, daily process.
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Chris_Cactusblossom
Yes, but the point is to distinguish between spirit, mind, and self. Those terms are used interchangeable a lot of the time, but 'spirit' implies something close to God, to my mind, whereas it's the lower self that's being dominated - the seat of the animal passions. I suppose 'self-control's not bad as a phrase, but I've only got the KJV to work with.
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Tao Jones
Why the limitation to just the KJV? Access to many translations is available online.
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Henryforward
He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty soldier, and he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city. This is the amplified it then has in the foot notes as follows.
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