What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control?
What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control? Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit and essential for living a godly life.
Key verse: Proverbs 25:28 (KJV)
Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit and essential for living a godly life.
Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit and essential for living a godly life.
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." — Proverbs 25:28 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Self-control is listed as the final fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:23. Proverbs compares a person without self-control to a city with broken walls (25:28). Paul compared the Christian life to an athlete who exercises discipline (1 Corinthians 9:25-27). Peter lists self-control as one of the virtues to add to faith. Biblical self-control is not willpower alone but a Spirit-empowered mastery over desires that oppose God's will.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control?
Biblical teaching on self-discipline, resisting temptation, and mastering your desires.
Key Scripture References
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."
"Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Fruit of the Spirit?
The fruit of the Spirit is the character produced in believers by the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
What Does the Bible Say About Temptation?
The Bible teaches that temptation is universal but not irresistible — God always provides a way of escape, and Jesus Himself was tempted yet without sin.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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