Proverbs 16:32

Of the many parallels to the sentiment of this proverb that are to be found in classical literature, none is closer than the familiar saying of Ovid (Epist. ex Pont. ii. 16:75):

"Fortior est qui se, quam qui fortissima vincit

Mœnia; nec virtus altius ire potest."

Lange and others quote Pirke Aboth, iv.2, where the question; Who is a hero?, is answered by reference to this verse.