Today’s Good Word is another great memory verse from the book of Proverbs! (Not a bad one for that unruly and rambunctious Sunday school class, huh? Kidding!)

This verse makes a great word picture. First, it introduces the subject of the simile: a person who has no rule over his own spirit. What does that mean?

It could mean someone without any discipline, self control, or moral conviction.

What is this person like? A city that is broken down and without walls. What’s the connection here?

Someone who doesn’t have any self-discipline — no healthy habits, valuable routines, or general utility — isn’t going to be a very productive person. This person isn’t a bustling city full of industry and life. This is a ramshackle, desolate place that isn’t growing or progressing — a broken down city. 

What about someone lacking moral conviction? This person may not have a sense of right and wrong, so he or she just lets all ideas enter in and squatter there. Someone who doesn’t understand what they believe or why they believe it will open the door to pretty much any and all notions — a city without walls.

Scripture encourages us to discipline our actions and our thoughts, submitting them to Christ. Let’s be healthy, working well-defended cities for the Lord.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.