Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION

“Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.”
Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭32‬

True greatness is not measured by achievements or dominance, but by a life aligned with the Spirit of God.

Samson, a legendary warrior and judge from the tribe of Dan, led Israel for twenty years, wielding extraordinary strength to confront the Philistines. His power was a divine gift - he killed a lion with his bare hands and defeated a thousand enemies using only the jawbone of a donkey. His downfall came not from external forces, but from within. He failed to govern his spirit and control his passions. Anger, revenge, and lust clouded his judgment, leading him to violate his Nazirite vow and pursue destructive relationships. His entanglement with Delilah, driven by unchecked desire, ended in betrayal and the loss of his strength. Ultimately, his inability to master himself made him vulnerable, and his story reminds us that true greatness is not found in conquering others, but in conquering oneself. In contrast, Jesus embodied perfect patience and self-control. He chose obedience to God’s will - even unto death - demonstrating that the greatest victory is found in surrender to the Father.

Proverbs 16:32 is a call to redirect our pursuit of greatness. True victory is not measured by achievements or dominance but by the ability to live in alignment with God’s Spirit. Through prayer, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and daily practice of restraint, we can cultivate this inner strength that leads to peace, wisdom, and lasting influence.

“True power comes from mastering oneself, not others. “