He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.
Pro 16:32 32 Better one slow to anger than a hero in war; And whoever is master of his spirit, than he who taketh a city. Regarding ארך אפּים, vid., Pro 14:29, where קצר־רוּח was the parallel of the contrast.
The lot is cast into the lap,.... Of a man's garment, or into his bosom, or into a hat, cap, urn, or whatsoever he has in his lap, and from whence it is taken out; which used to be done in choosing officers, civil or ecclesiastical; in dividing inheritances, and determining doubtful cases; and making up differences, and putting an end to strife and contentions...
This recommends the grace of meekness to us, which will well become us all, particularly the hoary head, Pro 16:31. Observe, 1. The nature of it. it is to be slow to anger, not easily put into a passion, nor apt to resent provocation, taking time to consider before we suffer our passion to break out, that it may not transgress due bounds, so slow...