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What does the Bible say about self-control?

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The Bible teaches that self-control is a Spirit-produced grace by which believers, trusting God’s power, govern their desires, words, and actions for His glory. Galatians 5:22-23 names it as fruit of the Spirit, while 2 Timothy 1:7 grounds it in the power and sound mind God gives His people. Proverbs 25:28 warns that an undisciplined life is vulnerable like a city without walls, and Proverbs 16:32 commends rule over one’s spirit above military strength. God faithfully provides a way to endure temptation, as 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises. Christians therefore pursue disciplined holiness, like Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, while relying not on self-salvation but on God’s sustaining grace.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 25:28 9 votes

    Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 5 votes

    No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

  • Galatians 5:22-23 5 votes

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

  • 2 Timothy 1:7 4 votes

    For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

  • 2 Peter 1:5-7 3 votes

    Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control, perseverance; and in perseverance, godliness; and in godliness, brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love.

  • Proverbs 16:32 3 votes

    One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:27 3 votes

    but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 3 votes

    Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, so that you may win. Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore run like that, not aimlessly. I fight like that, not beating the air, but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.

  • 1 Peter 4:7 2 votes

    But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.

  • Titus 1:8 2 votes

    but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober minded, fair, holy, self-controlled,

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