Proverbs 25:28 says:

 

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control”

 

In Ancient days, the wall of the city protected it against invasion from enemies.  Even a small opening in a wall meant that the entire city lay open to attack.

 

So many of the Proverbs are about self-control.

“If you find honey, eat just enough,” wrote the wise man.

 

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that guards us, protecting us from losing ground to impatience, bitterness, greed, and other pests that can intrude and destroy Gods harvest in our lives. (Gal 5:22-23)

 

Self-control is a healthy-mindedness that watches for the holes in the walls of our lives and keeps them patched.

When I inspect the perimeter of my life, I can at times see vulnerable holes.  A spot where I give in to temptation over and over.

An area of impatience.  

 

How I need the healthy-minded self control of God in my life to guard me from such intruders.