Proverbs 25: 28
He who has no rule over his own spirit [NIV – lacks self-control] is like a city that is broken down and without walls.

The walls give safety from outside influences and dangers. Nothing is safe inside if those walls aren’t sound. That’s what ruling our own spirits does for us. In our enlightened moments (!) when we make our wise (are they do-able?) plans — “No more pop.” “I’m going to exercise 20 minutes a day.” “No TV (except Tuesday evening, of course!).” “No spur-of-the-moment purchases.” “Thirty minutes max on the computer every day.” or anger or gossip or fear or… — whatever we decide for ourselves — we’re planning to succeed. If we don’t, why? If it’s because we fail to control our selves, then the wall has been breached. Something inside isn’t safe.