Self-control is a vital aspect of a Christian’s life, deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into how self-control aids us in leading a life that is pleasing to God. Let’s explore 32 Bible verses that underscore the significance of self-control, offering guidance and wisdom for our spiritual journey.
Bible Verses About Self Control
1. Proverbs 25:28 – Importance of Self-Control
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 9:25 – “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
Galatians 5:23 – “gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
2. Galatians 5:22-23 – Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Cross-References
Romans 6:22 – “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”
Philippians 1:11 – “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”
3. 2 Timothy 1:7 – Spirit of Power and Self-Discipline
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Cross-References
1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
Ephesians 3:16 – “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,”
4. Titus 2:11-12 – Grace and Self-Control
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” – Titus 2:11-12
Cross-References
Hebrews 12:2 – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Matthew 5:13-14 – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
5. 1 Corinthians 9:27 – Self-Control in the Faith
“No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – 1 Corinthians 9:27
Cross-References
Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
1 Timothy 4:16 – “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Philippians 3:12 – “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
6. Proverbs 16:32 – Patience and Self-Control
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” – Proverbs 16:32
Cross-References
Romans 12:21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
7. James 1:26 – Guarding the Tongue
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” – James 1:26
Cross-References
Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Matthew 12:36 – “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
8. 1 Peter 4:7 – Alert and of Sober Mind
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” – 1 Peter 4:7
Cross-References
Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Colossians 4:2 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
9. 2 Peter 1:5-6 – Make Every Effort
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;” – 2 Peter 1:5-6
Cross-References
Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”
Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
James 1:4 – “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
10. Ephesians 4:22-24 – Put on the New Self
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24
Cross-References
Colossians 3:9-10 – “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
11. Matthew 5:29-30 – Radical Self-Control
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” – Matthew 5:29-30
Cross-References
Mark 9:43 – “If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.”
1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
12. Romans 7:18-19 – Struggle for Self-Control
“For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” – Romans 7:18-19
Cross-References
Galatians 5:17 – “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
Romans 8:5 – “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”
James 4:1 – “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”
13. 1 Timothy 3:2 – Qualifications of Leaders
“Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,” – 1 Timothy 3:2
Cross-References
Titus 1:7-8 – “Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”
1 Peter 5:2-3 – “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
Acts 20:28 – “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
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14. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 – Alert and Sober
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:6
Cross-References
Romans 13:11 – “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”
1 Peter 1:13 – “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
Luke 21:34 – “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.”
15. Philippians 4:5 – Gentleness and Self-Control
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5
Cross-References
James 3:17 – “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
2 Timothy 2:24 – “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
16. 1 Corinthians 7:5 – Marital Self-Control
“Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5
Cross-References
Ephesians 5:33 – “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
1 Corinthians 7:9 – “But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
17. Proverbs 29:11 – Foolish Outbursts
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” – Proverbs 29:11
Cross-References
James 1:20 – “Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
18. Romans 12:1 – Living Sacrifices
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
1 Peter 2:5 – “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
19. Galatians 5:16 – Walk by the Spirit
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16
Cross-References
Romans 8:4 – “In order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
Romans 13:14 – “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
1 John 2:6 – “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
20. Colossians 3:5 – Put to Death Earthly Nature
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:5
Cross-References
Galatians 5:24 – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
21. Philippians 2:3-4 – Humility and Self-Control
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3-4
Cross-References
Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
22. Titus 2:2 – Teach Older Men
“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” – Titus 2:2
Cross-References
Titus 1:8 – “Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”
1 Timothy 4:12 – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
1 Peter 1:15 – “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;”
23. 2 Timothy 2:22 – Flee from Temptation
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” – 2 Timothy 2:22
Cross-References
Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
24. Psalm 141:3-4 – Guard Your Mouth
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.” – Psalm 141:3-4
Cross-References
Proverbs 21:23 – “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
James 3:8 – “But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
1 Peter 3:10 – “For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.'”
25. James 3:2 – Perfect Control
“We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” – James 3:2
Cross-References
Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Matthew 12:37 – “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Proverbs 10:19 – “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
26. 1 Peter 5:8 – Be Alert
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
Cross-References
James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Romans 16:20 – “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
27. Proverbs 13:3 – Guard Your Lips
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” – Proverbs 13:3
Cross-References
Proverbs 18:7 – “The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.”
Matthew 15:11 – “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
Proverbs 12:13 – “Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble.”
28. 2 Corinthians 10:5 – Captive Thoughts
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5
Cross-References
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
29. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 – Sanctification and Honor
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God;” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
Cross-References
Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
30. Proverbs 15:1 – A Gentle Answer
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Cross-References
James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”
Ecclesiastes 7:9 – “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Proverbs 12:18 – “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
31. 2 Peter 1:8 – Increasing Possession
“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 1:8
Cross-References
Colossians 1:10 – “So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,”
Hebrews 5:14 – “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
32. 1 John 2:15-16 – Worldly Desires
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” – 1 John 2:15-16
Cross-References
James 4:4 – “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
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Final Thoughts
Self-control is not only about resisting temptation but about aligning our lives with God’s purpose. The Scriptures provide a profound understanding that helps guide us in patience, humility, understanding, and strength. Being rich in self-control means trusting God, focusing on eternal objectives, and fulfilling the fruits of the Spirit. The verses above serve as a timeless reminder that self-control is instrumental in spiritual growth and success. Visibly, self-control can transform lives and deeply impact the service of God’s work.
As believers, nurturing self-control encourages spiritual perseverance even amidst our challenging world. It prepares us to constantly be on guard against worldly temptations and invites us to actively pursue a God-pleasing life. Indeed, it is a powerful protective shield against the adversities of life, strengthening faith and sharpening wisdom. Let these biblical insights forge a channel of divine reflection, encouraging all to find deeper connections between scripture, faith, and daily living. May our resolve be further strengthened through regular reflection, pursuing righteousness and godliness with all our heart.