"A person should be in control of himself rather than try to control other people."

If this was obeyed, a major portion of people's problems, both individual and collective, would be resolved. It is not easy to be in control of oneself. Not only are we tempted by a variety of physical drives, not only are we subject to acting out our hostile feelings, but we also have a propensity to gossip. To be truly ethical and moral, we must exert control over our words as well as our actions. This requires concentration, determination, and much energy.

It is far easier to control other people, or at least to try to. If we fail to control ourselves, we often regret our behavior and feel guilty. If our attempt to control others is ineffective, it is hardly our fault. It is the other person's failure to follow our orders that is responsible for the problem.

We are naturally attracted to that which is easier. That is one reason why some people prefer to establish control over others rather than over themselves.

Having a dominating role over others may relieve a person's feelings of low self-esteem. Some people with feelings of inferiority and inadequacy seek positions where they can exert control over others.

A truly wise person does not seek to control others. He knows that the most valuable things in life do not come easily. He has no need to bolster a sagging self-esteem by being master over other people.

A wise person follows Biblical advice. He realizes that being in control of himself is a full time job.