King James Bible
"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."
Self-control over one's temper is valued above physical strength or warrior prowess. In ancient Near Eastern culture where military might was highly prized, this teaching radically elevates patience and emotional restraint as the truest form of power. Mastering one's own desires and impulses surpasses even the glory of military conquest. The parallel structure intensifies the first statement, suggesting that internal victories over self require greater strength than external victories over enemies.