Proverbs 25;28 says “A person without self-control is like a city with broken down walls.”  

There’s something about the simplicity and power of this verse that deeply resonates with me.

I’ve always loved the idea that we as believers are referred to, several times, as a city in the Bible. That symbol of fortified strength is so inspiring to me. I’m reminded of one of my favourite verses in Matthew 5:14 which says “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” That’s you and I. We are that city perched high in plain view, illuminating the light and love of God in a dark world.

Let’s think, for a moment, about how cities were built during Biblical times and throughout history. The most important part of protection and security for that city was the large stone wall built around it. The walls were extremely high with guards placed on them, to ensure that the city wasn’t exposed to any potential enemies or threats.

Proverbs 25:28 is giving us the key to staying safe and secure on our journey of faith and how to live a victorious life…and that is by having self-control over sin. Building up our spirit with spiritual disciplines such as reading the word of God, prayer, worship and fasting only make us stronger daily to resist the temptations and traps thrown our way (eg. lust, anger, greed, pride, envy etc) in this life.

A city that has broken-down walls is not fortified, is not secured, is not protected. The enemy can come in at any point freely and gain access…with nothing stopping him.  The bible encourages us to guard our hearts and minds and to master sin, not to let it control us.

As you are reading this, examine your own life today.

Are there areas that have ‘holes’ in them? Are there areas that you feel you just have no strength? Are there areas in your life that you need to gain control of?

God is calling you and I to deepen our spiritual walk with Him and to have better self-control over our wrong desires. Ask Him to show you the areas that you’re weak in and the steps needed to rebuild any broken-down walls. Amen.