Skip to content

A proverb in the Old Testament states: 'He that is slow to…

“A proverb in the Old Testament states: 'He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city'. It is when we become angry that we get into trouble. The road rage that affects our highways is a hateful expression of anger. I dare say that most…” quote by Gordon B. Hinckley
Download Open image
““A proverb in the Old Testament states: 'He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city'. It is when we become angry that we get into trouble. The road rage that affects our highways is a hateful expression of anger. I dare say that most of the inmates of our prisons are there because they did something when they were angry. In their wrath they swore, they lost control of themselves, and terrible things followed, even murder. There were moments of offense followed by years of regret. . . . So many of us make a great fuss of matters of small consequence. We are so easily offended. Happy is the man who can brush aside the offending remarks of another and go on his way.””

Gordon B. Hinckley

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Holding back anger leads to better outcomes than forceful power; losing control invites regret and harm.

In simple terms: Anger harms; patience helps.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate patience, avoid reactive decisions.

Themes

self‑control patience consequences

Mood

reflective calm

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • workplace
  • legal system
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

Stoicism emotional intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you recognize early signs of anger?
  • What strategies help you pause before reacting?
A Different Perspective

Anger can be a protective response in extreme threat.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Gordon B. Hinckley

Explore all 669 Gordon B. Hinckley quotes

More Anger quotes

Browse all 7,469 Anger quotes