Bible Verses About Self-Control — The Complete KJV Guide
The complete KJV guide to self-control, temperance, and discipline
Discover powerful KJV Bible verses about self-control. Scripture and devotional insights on self-control for daily encouragement.
"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 (KJV)
Finding a meaningful verse of the day centered on self-control can transform your daily walk with God. Each morning brings a fresh opportunity to meditate on Scripture that speaks directly to the theme of self-control in your life.
The complete KJV guide to self-control, temperance, and discipline
What the Bible says about self-control
The KJV word is temperance, and it appears in Galatians 5:23 as the final fruit of the Spirit and in 2 Peter 1:6 as a link in a chain of Christian growth. Proverbs 25:28 gives the memorable image: a man without rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down and without walls — exposed on every side.
Fruit before willpower
Placing temperance among the fruit of the Spirit changes how it is pursued. Fruit grows from a healthy root; it is not manufactured by strain. That does not remove effort — Paul speaks of keeping his body under — but it means self-control in Scripture is the by-product of a life connected to Christ rather than a stand-alone project of self-improvement.
The areas Scripture addresses
The Bible applies self-control concretely to speech, anger, appetite, money, and sexuality. James 3 devotes a chapter to the tongue alone. This specificity is useful: nobody lacks self-control in general, and progress usually comes from naming one domain and taking one measurable step rather than resolving to be more disciplined.
How to use this page
Choose the single area where the lack of control is costing you most and read the verses below against it. Pick one verse to say before the moment of temptation rather than after it. Set one concrete boundary this week and tell someone about it. Then follow the related links on temptation, discipline, and the fruit of the Spirit.
"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 (KJV)
This verse reveals God's heart concerning self-control. As you meditate on these words today, let them reshape your understanding of what it means to walk in self-control before the Lord.
Most-searched self-control verses
Questions answered from Scripture
Self-Control
Biblical teaching on self-discipline, resisting temptation, and mastering your d
What is speaking in tongues?
Theology & Doctrine
What Does the Bible Say About Temptation?
Sin & Salvation
Is Speaking in Tongues for Today?
Theology & Doctrine
What Does the Bible Say About the Power of the Tongue?
Daily Living
What Does the Bible Say About Church Discipline?
Theology & Doctrine
What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control?
Daily Living
What Does the Bible Say About Speaking in Tongues?
Theology & Doctrine
Verses for real-life situations
Facing Temptation
Scriptures to strengthen your resolve when temptation pulls you away from God's
Waiting on God's Timing
Scriptures for the difficult discipline of waiting on God when answers don't com
Dealing with Anger
Scriptures for managing anger, frustration, and finding self-control.
Working from Home
Scriptures for discipline, purpose, and balance while working remotely.
Overcoming Procrastination
Bible verses about diligence, discipline, and defeating the habit of delay.
Aging Gracefully
Bible verses about growing older with purpose, dignity, and continued fruitfulne
Verse collections & studies
Bible Verses About Temperance
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Self-Control
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Self-Discipline
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Discipline
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Overcoming Temptation
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Guarding Your Tongue
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Fleeing Temptation
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Breaking Bad Habits
10 curated KJV verses
Devotionals & commentary
Genesis 4:7 Commentary
In-depth study • Temptation & Sin
Proverbs 25:28 Commentary
In-depth study • Self-Control
Genesis 3:6 Commentary
In-depth study • Temptation & Fall
Hebrews 12:11 Commentary
In-depth study • Discipline & Growth
Galatians 5:23 Commentary
In-depth study • Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 10:13 — Meaning & Devotional
Temptation
Stories, parables & teachings
The Temptation of Jesus
Matthew 4:1-11 • Jesus' Life
The Fall of Man
Genesis 3 • Sin and Redemption
The Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-47 • Early Church
The Parable of the Sower
Matthew 13:1-23 • Receiving God's Word
The Parable of the Sower
Matthew 13:3-4 • Kingdom of God
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
Luke 13:8-9 • Judgment & Readiness
Words, places & holidays
Self-Control (ἐγκράτεια (egkrateia))
Mastery over one's desires and impulses — inner strength to govern oneself.
Discipline/Instruct (יָסַר (Yasar))
To discipline, instruct, correct, or chasten — training through correction.
Fruit (καρπός (Karpos))
Fruit, produce, or the visible outcome of spiritual life and character.
Joy (χαρά (chara))
Deep, abiding gladness rooted in God's character and salvation.
Patience (μακροθυμία (makrothumia))
Long-suffering endurance — bearing with people and circumstances without giving up.
Gentleness (πραΰτης (prautēs))
Meekness and controlled strength — power under the guidance of wisdom and love.
10 Scriptures About Self-Control
Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."Read in context
Proverbs 11:3
"The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them."Read in context
Colossians 3:12
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering."Read in context
Micah 6:8
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"Read in context
Proverbs 22:1
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold."Read in context
1 Peter 1:15-16
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."Read in context
Psalm 15:1-2
"LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart."Read in context
Proverbs 20:7
"The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him."Read in context
Titus 2:7
"In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity."Read in context
Related Themes
Gentleness
Bible verses about gentleness — KJV Scripture on the theme of gentleness with devotional insights.
Generosity
Bible verses about generosity — KJV Scripture on the theme of generosity with devotional insights.
Integrity
Bible verses about integrity — KJV Scripture on the theme of integrity with devotional insights.
Scripture Guides About Self-Control
Explore self-control through specific life situations
Bible Verses About Self-Control When Before an Exam or Test
Bible Verses About Self-Control When Starting Your Day
Bible Verses About Self-Control When Before a Meal (Grace)
Bible Verses About Self-Control When Traveling or Going on a Trip
Bible Verses About Self-Control During A Thanksgiving Gathering
Bible Verses About Self-Control for Family Devotion Time
Cite this page
By Bible Sundays Editorial Team · Reviewed August 27, 2026 · How we source
All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version. You are welcome to quote or link to this page — please credit Bible Sundays.
Plain citation
Bible Sundays. "Bible Verses About Self-Control — The Complete KJV Guide." Bible Sundays, last reviewed August 27, 2026. https://www.biblesundays.com/topics/self-controlAPA
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