“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty”: As in 15.1, self-control in the face of provocation receives praise here. The Hebrew of this line begins with “It is better.” As in 15.18, “slow to anger” means “does not quickly become angry.” Good News Translation has “be patient.” “Mighty” renders a noun referring to a warrior, and the thought expressed is “it is better to be patient than to be powerful” (Good News Translation).

“And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city”: “Rules his spirit” means “controls his emotions” or “keeps his temper under control.” Although not expressed, “it is better” is clearly understood from the first line and may need to be expressed in translation. “Takes a city” means “defeats or conquers a city in battle.” Bible en français courant translates the whole saying: “The real hero is the one who conquers his anger. It is worth more to be master of oneself than to be master of a city.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .