53+ Bible Verses About Self Control

Living a life with self-control is a pursuit that resonates deeply within the Christian faith. The Bible speaks extensively on this virtue, illustrating that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, intrinsic to living a life that honors God. In this exploration, we will delve into 56 Bible verses and 7 insightful Christian quotes that offer wisdom and guidance for harnessing this essential quality. These passages are like signposts, pointing us toward the path of discipline and restraint in a world brimming with temptations and challenges.

Self-control is not just about denying oneself certain pleasures; it's about embracing a life aligned with spiritual values. It is the quiet strength that empowers believers to resist impulses and choose actions that lead to true freedom and righteousness. As you engage with the profound truths in these scriptures and quotes, allow them to resonate in your heart and mind. We encourage you to read on for a comprehensive understanding of self-control through the lens of faith, drawing from the timeless wisdom of the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Holy Scriptures.

Understanding Self-Control

"He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."

- Proverbs 16:32 (NKJV)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

- Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

- Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

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

- 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;"

- James 1:19 (NKJV)

"And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

- Galatians 5:24 (NKJV)

"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

- 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV)

Self-Control and Temptation

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

- 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

- Matthew 26:41 (NKJV)

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

- James 1:12 (NKJV)

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."

- James 4:7 (NKJV)

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

- 1 John 5:4 (NKJV)

"And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one."

- Matthew 6:13 (NKJV)

"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone."

- James 1:13 (NKJV)

Discipline and Self-Control

"But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,"

- 2 Peter 1:5 (NKJV)

"For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives."

- Hebrews 12:6 (NKJV)

"And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown."

- 1 Corinthians 9:25 (NKJV)

"Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control."

- 1 Corinthians 7:5 (NKJV)

"Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him."

- Proverbs 22:15 (NKJV)

"He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he."

- Proverbs 16:20 (NKJV)

"Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction."

- Proverbs 19:18 (NKJV)

The Rewards of Self-Control

"Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice."

- Proverbs 16:8 (NKJV)

"By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life."

- Proverbs 22:4 (NKJV)

"The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit."

- Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NKJV)

"He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction."

- Proverbs 13:3 (NKJV)

"A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor."

- Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV)

"Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men."

- Proverbs 22:29 (NKJV)

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,"

- Titus 2:11-12 (NKJV)

Self-Control in Leadership

"Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls."

- Proverbs 25:28 (NKJV)

"Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

- 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

"He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much."

- Luke 16:10 (NKJV)

"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."

- Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)

"The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression."

- Proverbs 19:11 (NKJV)

"Not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil."

- 1 Timothy 3:6 (NKJV)

"Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law."

- Proverbs 29:18 (NKJV)

Self-Control and Wisdom

"Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."

- Proverbs 16:32 (NKJV)

"For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;"

- Proverbs 2:6 (NKJV)

"A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame."

- Proverbs 12:16 (NKJV)

"He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit."

- Proverbs 17:27 (NKJV)

"The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit."

- Proverbs 14:8 (NKJV)

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil."

- Proverbs 3:7 (NKJV)

"Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive."

- Proverbs 17:28 (NKJV)

Self-Control in Daily Living

"And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;"

- 2 Peter 1:5 (NKJV)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,"

- Galatians 5:22 (NKJV)

"He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known."

- Proverbs 10:9 (NKJV)

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

- Luke 6:45 (NKJV)

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."

- Galatians 5:16 (NKJV)

"That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,"

- Ephesians 4:22 (NKJV)

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

- 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)

Overcoming Temptation with Self-Control

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

- 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

- Matthew 26:41 (NKJV)

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

- James 1:12 (NKJV)

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."

- James 4:7 (NKJV)

"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

- Matthew 6:13 (NKJV)

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

- 1 John 5:4 (NKJV)

"And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

- Galatians 5:24 (NKJV)

Christian Quotes

"God has given us the power to decide – the power to choose. And what we decide to keep in our hearts will affect us in all ways, whether for good or bad."

- Joyce Meyer

"Temperance is a bridle of gold; and he who uses it rightly, is more like a god than a man."

- Basil the Great

"He who reigns within himself and rules passions, desires, and fears is more than a king."

- John Milton

"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."

- Proverbs 25:28 (This is attributed as a biblical proverb, hence the citation is included.)

"Self-control is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is power."

- James Allen

"Do not let what you want to do interfere with what you should do."

- Tony Evans

"Our passions are like convicts that have escaped from the prison of our self-control. The passions, once loose, rage like wild beasts."

- Jerome

Conclusion

Self-control is not just a moral virtue but a bulwark that fortifies one's spiritual life against temptations and worldly distractions. It is the practical expression of living a life guided by the Holy Spirit. As believers journey through their faith, self-control is pivotal in manifesting the fruits of a life committed to Christ.

"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers."

- 1 Peter 4:7 (NKJV)

"For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."

- 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

- 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)