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Day Ninety

The Power of Self-Control (Read Proverbs 30:29-33)

29 There are three things that walk with stately stride—
    no, four that strut about:
30 the lion, king of animals, who won’t turn aside for anything,
31     the strutting rooster,
    the male goat,
    a king as he leads his army.

32 If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil,
    cover your mouth in shame.

33 As the beating of cream yields butter
    and striking the nose causes bleeding,
    so stirring up anger causes quarrels.

 Reflection:

Proverbs 30:29-33 illustrates the power of dignity, strength, and the danger of stirring up strife. The lion, the rooster, the goat, and the king each demonstrate confidence, but the proverb also warns against the misuse of pride and anger. Walking with strength and dignity is admirable, but we lose sight of God’s call for humility and self-control when pride gives way to anger and conflict.

Jesus lived out this truth perfectly. While He had every reason to walk with authority, He displayed incredible humility and self-control, even in the face of opposition and betrayal. Philippians 2:6-8 tells us that Jesus, though equal with God, humbled Himself and became obedient, even to the point of death on the cross. His life reminds us that true power comes not from pride or force but from a heart surrendered to God’s will and walking in peace.

Aristotle said, “Anybody can become angry—that is easy. But to be angry with the right person and to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way—that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.” Jesus calls us to wisely manage our pride and anger, knowing that unchecked emotions can cause division and destruction.

Reflection Questions:

  1. In what areas of my life do I need to practice more self-control, especially regarding pride or anger?
  2. How can I follow Jesus’ example of humility and strength in difficult situations?
  3. What steps can I take to avoid conflict in my relationships and instead foster peace?

Next Steps:

  1. Practice humility: This week, consciously respond with humility in situations where you might typically respond with pride or defensiveness.
  2. Control your anger: Identify a recent situation where anger led to conflict. Pray and ask Jesus for help managing your emotions and responding with grace in the future.
  3. Pursue peace: Reach out to someone with whom you’ve had tension or conflict. Make an effort to reconcile, offering forgiveness or a peaceful solution, modeling the peace of Christ.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You are the perfect example of strength, humility, and self-control. Teach me to walk in Your ways, reflecting dignity without falling into pride or anger. Help me manage my emotions wisely, and show me how to pursue peace in all my relationships. I surrender my pride to You and ask for Your strength to live out Your calling in humility and grace. Thank You for Your constant guidance and love. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

This devotion reminds us that true strength comes from Jesus. As we walk in humility and self-control, we reflect His peace in our lives.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of Scripture. Amen.