“A man who can control his emotions is stronger and mightier than one who can take a city.”
— Proverbs 16:32
The first time I heard this quote, I didn’t quite get it.
I remember repeating it to myself over and over, trying to fully make sense of it. How could controlling emotions be more powerful than conquering an entire city? It sounded deep… but also a little abstract. At least, that’s what I thought back then.
Over time, life started filling in the gaps.
Emotions are funny things. They come and go—sometimes quietly, sometimes like a storm with no warning. The real power isn’t in never feeling angry, sad, or frustrated. It’s in being aware of those emotions when they show up… and choosing how to respond instead of reacting on autopilot.
That awareness? That’s the real superpower.
Why Emotional Awareness Matters
Every single day, we experience a mix of emotions. Some feel good—joy, excitement, contentment. Others, not so much—anger, disappointment, jealousy, frustration. What often separates peaceful moments from regretful ones is not the emotion itself, but how we handle it.
When we lack emotional awareness, emotions tend to take the driver’s seat. We say things we don’t mean. We react in ways we later wish we could take back. And sometimes, we don’t even realize what’s happening until it’s already done.
I learned this lesson the hard way.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
During my undergraduate days, a close friend and I got into a disagreement. Nothing serious at first—just one of those debates where both people are convinced they’re right. It started playfully. We laughed. We talked over each other. We tried to “win.”
But then the tone shifted.
Voices got louder. The air felt heavier. Before I knew it, I was furious. I could feel my body reacting before my mind caught up—my hands shaking, my chest tight, my thoughts racing. I wasn’t just arguing anymore; I was enraged.
That moment scared me.
Not because of what was being said, but because of how little control I felt over myself. I realized that if the situation had gone a little further, I might have said or done something I’d deeply regret.
That was the moment it clicked.
Awareness Before Control
Emotional awareness doesn’t mean suppressing feelings or pretending everything is fine. It simply means noticing what’s happening within you—before it spills out in ways you can’t undo.
In that argument, I wasn’t aware that my frustration had crossed into anger until it had already taken over. Looking back, I wish I had paused long enough to ask myself: Why am I feeling this way? What’s really triggering me right now?
That pause can change everything.
With awareness, you get a choice. Without it, emotions choose for you.
Growth Looks Like This
Today, I’m still learning. Emotional awareness isn’t something you master once and forget—it’s an ongoing practice. Some days, I catch myself early. Other days, I realize a bit too late. But even that realization is growth.
Strength isn’t about never feeling overwhelmed. It’s about recognizing your emotions, honoring them, and responding in a way that aligns with the person you’re becoming.
Maybe that’s what the quote really meant.
True power isn’t loud or forceful. Sometimes, it’s just the quiet ability to pause, breathe, and choose better even when emotions are screaming for attention.
And honestly? That kind of strength is worth more than taking any city.
So maybe emotional awareness isn’t about changing who we are, but about meeting ourselves more honestly. Noticing the moments when our emotions rise, when our bodies react, when we feel the urge to defend, prove, or protect.
The next time you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, ask yourself—not in judgment, but with curiosity: What is this emotion trying to tell me? That simple question can create the space where growth begins.
Because every pause is a chance. Every moment of awareness is strength in disguise. And sometimes, the greatest victories happen quietly within.