The Walls Around the House

 Proverbs 25:28  “He / She who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.”  
 
TPT  “If you live without restraint and are unable to control your temper and emotions, you’re as helpless as a city with broken-down defenses, open to attack.”  
 
In Bible times, a city without walls was defenseless.  It’s people were exposed to danger, attack, theft and destruction.  The walls were there to “restrict” the entrance of enemies and to “protect” the inhabitants inside.      
 
This is how self-control and self-discipline are supposed to work in our lives.  They serve to restrict and filter behavior that is inappropriate and protect our outcome in situations.  
 
Many people think discipline is restrictive or unpleasant.  They view self-control as something that keeps them from their freedom of expression and enjoying life.  But according to Proverbs, self-control is not a prison;  It is a protective wall.  
 
When we do not rule our emotions, our words, our appetites or reactions can become unrestrained.  We say things we later regret.  We make impulsive decisions, and we allow fear, anger, offense or discouragement to gain access where they do not belong.  
 
God’s wisdom teaches us to guard what God has entrusted to us.  We are to keep our heart clear from fear, offense;  Allow our spirit to control not our flesh, so that destructive influences do not gain access to what God is building within us.  
 
A house cannot stand if there are no boundaries.  In the same way a life cannot remain strong if every emotion, impulse and craving is allowed to rule.  
 
Self-control is strength under the leadership of wisdom.
 
Wisdom Statement:
A disciplined life is not a restricted life;  It’s a protected life.