What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Proverbs 25:28, sits inside Proverbs 25. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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