What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control — Meaning Explained
Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit and a discipline essential for godly living, resisting temptation, and honoring God with our bodies.
Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit and a discipline essential for godly living, resisting temptation, and honoring God with our bodies.
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." — Proverbs 25:28 (KJV)
What "What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control?" Actually Means
Self-control, called 'temperance' in the KJV, is the final fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Proverbs 25:28 compares a person lacking self-control to 'a city that is broken down, and without walls'—vulnerable to every attack. Paul described his own practice of self-discipline: 'I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection' (1 Corinthians 9:27). Peter includes self-control in his ladder of Christian virtues (2 Peter 1:5-7), showing that it builds upon knowledge and leads to patience, godliness, and love. Self-control is not about human willpower alone but is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Proverbs 25:28
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."
1 Corinthians 9:27
"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."
2 Peter 1:5-6
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control?
Daily Living
What Is Self-Control in the Bible?
Daily Living
Bible Verses About Clean Living
10 curated KJV verses
What Does the Bible Say About Living Together Before Marriage?
Marriage & Family
1 Corinthians 10:31 Commentary
In-depth study • Living for God's Glory
Practicing Generosity
Scriptures about giving, generosity, and the blessing of open-handed living.
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.