August 14

In Biblical days a city had to be walled. It was a literal fortress against marauders. A city was a self-contained microcosm of the world at large. Everything one needed in order to function was contained within its walls. The city governed itself and provided for itself and protected itself.

It sent forth traders to buy and exchange goods that were necessary for its inhabitants. It had emissaries who negotiated with other powerful entities. As long as the city remained fortified and self-sufficient behind its walls, it could ward off enemies from without.

But if it neglected its walls, if its fortification became compromised, it was vulnerable to attack. It would be overtaken by an enemy. Pillage and rape of the city and its inhabitants would follow. In Proverbs 15;28, The Bible likens a man to a walled city. If the walls are strong and uncompromised, the man stands.

But, it says, “He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a ruined city without walls.” Whatever a man indulges of the negative aspects of his character is what will ultimately destroy him. If a man neglects to fortify himself with the Word and the law of God, he will crumble and fall under the weight of his own sin.