“He who is slow to anger is better than a hero, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Proverbs 16:32

This excellent Bible verse reminds us of the importance of being master of oneself. The importance of having complete and constant control over one’s own actions and behavior. The practice of certain professions and functions particularly requires this quality. I don’t think many people would feel safe in a plane entrusted to a pilot who lacks self-control. Few people would also be willing to undergo heart or brain surgery performed by a surgeon who does not possess an excellent level of self-control.

If the Bible reminds us of the importance of self-control, it is simply because most people on earth not only lack self-control, but they do nothing to acquire it. A person who lacks self-control is hardly capable of keeping their own commitments. This person knows what should be done, but each time it comes to taking action, it is the will of the one or the thing that controls them that will be accomplished.

Most people who cannot systematically save would still like to save. These people are aware of the necessity of saving for their lives. They want to save and invest, but when the time comes to set aside a portion of their income, they feel compelled to obey a voice that orders them to spend their money. It is this voice that controls them.

The development of the discipline of saving allows one to take total control of their own thoughts, emotions, decisions, and actions regarding financial management. This ability to control oneself is one of the things that distinguishes the rich from the poor. While self-control allows the rich to delay gratification by saving and investing, the lack of self-control drives the poor to seek immediate pleasure and never save to invest…

This text is an excerpt from the book “MASTERING THE ART OF SAVING” written by Dominique MBOG.

We invite you to read the following article “Increasing Your Income.”