Discover the importance of self-control in the Christian life with these twelve powerful Bible verses about self-control.
Self-control involves discipline and restraint in one’s thoughts, words, and actions, and is necessary for resisting temptation, avoiding sin, and pursuing righteousness.
This article also recommends three Bible chapters to read for a deeper understanding of self-control and its benefits.
Gain insight into what self-control looks like in practice and how to cultivate it in your own life.
Bible verses about self-control
Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about self-control:
1. “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” – 1 Corinthians 9:25
2. “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” – 1 Corinthians 9:27
3. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
4. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
5. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” – Titus 2:11-12
6. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” – 1 Peter 1:13
7. “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” – Proverbs 25:28
8. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” – Ephesians 5:18
9. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;” – 2 Corinthians 10:4
10. “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” – Romans 13:14
11. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” – Philippians 4:5
12. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16
What does the Bible say about self-control?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of self-control as a fruit of the Spirit and a characteristic of a mature Christian.
Self-control involves discipline and restraint in one’s thoughts, words, and actions.
It is necessary for resisting temptation, avoiding sin, and pursuing righteousness.
The Bible teaches that self-control is not only beneficial for personal growth but also for relationships with others and for fulfilling God’s purposes.
It is a key aspect of living a holy and godly life.
What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about self-control?
1. Proverbs 25 – This chapter contains several verses that talk about self-control, including controlling one’s temper, controlling one’s appetite, and controlling one’s speech. It emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and the benefits that come with it.
2. Galatians 5 – This chapter talks about the fruits of the Spirit, one of which is self-control. It emphasizes that those who belong to Christ have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires, and are called to walk in the Spirit and exercise self-control.
3. 1 Corinthians 9 – This chapter talks about the importance of self-discipline in the Christian life, using the analogy of an athlete who trains hard and disciplines his body in order to win a prize. It emphasizes that self-control is necessary in order to avoid disqualification and to run the race of faith well.
All of these chapters are relevant to self-control because they emphasize the importance of self-discipline and the benefits that come with it. They also highlight the fact that self-control is not something that comes naturally, but rather something that must be cultivated and practiced. By reading and meditating on these chapters, we can gain a better understanding of what self-control looks like in practice and how we can develop it in our own lives.
Ideas and concepts related to self-control that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.
1. Discipline – Discipline is the act of training oneself to do what is right and avoid what is wrong. It is closely related to self-control because it requires one to resist temptation and make difficult choices in order to achieve a greater goal.
2. Temperance – Temperance is the ability to control one’s desires and passions. It is often associated with self-control because it requires one to resist the urge to indulge in excess and instead maintain a balanced and moderate approach to life.
3. Patience – Patience is the ability to endure difficult circumstances without becoming angry or frustrated. It is related to self-control because it requires one to maintain a calm and steady demeanor even in the face of adversity.
4. Humility – Humility is the quality of being humble and modest. It is related to self-control because it requires one to resist the urge to boast or seek attention and instead focus on serving others and living a virtuous life.
5. Faithfulness – Faithfulness is the quality of being loyal and committed to a cause or person. It is related to self-control because it requires one to resist the urge to give up or abandon one’s commitments and instead remain steadfast and true to one’s word.
