Bible Verses About Temperance

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

"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."

"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience."

"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."

"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."

"All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."

"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

What does the Bible say about temperance?

Temperance—self-control and moderation in all things—is the final fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5 and serves as the capstone of Christian character. In a world of excess and instant gratification, temperance is the godly discipline that keeps all other virtues in balance. Key King James Version passages include Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians 9:25, 2 Peter 1:5-6. This page collects 10 KJV verses about temperance, each quoted in full.

What is temperance in the Bible?

Temperance (Greek: egkrateia) means self-control—mastery over one's desires, impulses, and passions. It is listed as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) and a virtue to be added to faith (2 Peter 1:6). It applies to all areas of life: eating, drinking, speech, emotions, sexuality, and use of time.

How do I develop self-control?

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), meaning it grows through relationship with God. Practical steps include setting boundaries (1 Corinthians 6:12), exercising spiritual discipline like an athlete (1 Corinthians 9:25), relying on God's grace (Titus 2:11-12), and replacing fleshly habits with godly ones (Romans 13:14).