Self Control in the Bible | 58 Verses + 5 Ways to Develop It

What is self-control?

The Oxford Dictionary defines self-control as “the ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires or the expression of them in one’s behavior, especially in difficult situations.”

Self-control (or lack thereof) is often easy to recognize in the physical disciplines of eating, drinking, or exercising. We might also discern it in mental/emotional disciplines such as controlling our anger, our lust, or our tongue.

But sometimes it’s less obvious. Sometimes it looks like a long-term lack of motivation…or spending too much time in front of a tv, phone screen, or game console.

Whatever the type of self-control, it seems obvious that self-control is an important trait for Christians to develop. It’s referred to as a fruit of the spirit – a natural result of knowing and walking closely with God (Galatians 5:22-23).

So…what does it say about self control in the Bible?

How many times is self control in the Bible?

While the Bible mentions the word “self-control” 174 times, it also mentions many similar words that convey the same meaning. The word “discipline” is mentioned 169 times, the word “restraint” 43 times, the word “moderation” 25 times, and the word “abstain” 16 times.

And of course, it is displayed countless more times in the stories of God’s people throughout the Bible. Let’s dive into some verses about self control in the Bible, then discuss how to develop self control for ourselves!

Bible Verses about Self-Control

What God Says About Self-Control

It’s true, God’s actual voice doesn’t spend much time discussing self control in the Bible. But if we consider the Bible to be the Word of God, then God has lots to say about self-control through His prophets, followers, and disciples.

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 16:32

As Jesus was leaving he told us, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

John 14:26

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

James 3:3-12

Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you.

1 Peter 4:12

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; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

2 Peter 1:5-7

God Commands Us to Be Self-Controlled

Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Proverbs 4:27

When you feel like you are struggling with self-control, pray to be rescued from temptation. In what’s known as the Lord’s prayer, Jesus taught us to pray, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Matthew 6:13

As Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it.”

Matthew 16:24-25

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” 

Luke 6:27-31

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” 

Luke 9:23

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 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.

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor. 

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

1 Thessalonians 5:6

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. 

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

1 Timothy 2:9-10

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.

1 Timothy 3:2

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

Titus 1:8

Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 

Titus 2:2

Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 

Titus 2:6-8

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

James 1:19

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 

1 Peter 1:13-16

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

1 Peter 4:7

Benefits of Self-Control in the Bible

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. 

Proverbs 13:3

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.

Romans 12:2

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.

1 Corinthians 9:25

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16

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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

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

What is the importance of self-control?

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21

“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.” 

Matthew 5:29-30

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

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 

Titus 2:11-14

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:6-8

What happens without self-control?

Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.

Proverbs 12:16

A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 

Proverbs 18:6-7

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

Proverbs 25:28

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

Proverbs 29:11

Thus says the Lord concerning this people: “They have loved to wander thus; they have not restrained their feet; therefore the Lord does not accept them; now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins.” 

Jeremiah 14:10

For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 

Romans 8:13

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

Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.

2 John 1:8

Who had self-control in the Bible?

“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.”

Job, Job 31:1

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies!”

David, Psalm 141:3-4

“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.”

Paul, 1 Corinthians 9:27

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Paul, Philippians 4:13

Examples of Self-Control in the Bible

To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. 

1 Corinthians 4:11-13

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 

1 Peter 5:8-10

Examples of Lack of Self-Control in the Bible

For I delight in God’s law after the inward man, but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me out of the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! So then with the mind, I myself serve God’s law, but with the flesh, the sin’s law.

Romans 7:22-25

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 

2 Timothy 3:1-5 

How did Jesus demonstrate self-control?

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 

Isaiah 53:7

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Matthew 26:41

And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 

Matthew 26:62-63

But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. 

Matthew 27:12-14

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

Hebrews 4:15

For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 

1 Peter 2:20-23

How to Develop Self Control

Study & Memorize Scripture

I found that simply compiling and reading over this list of Bible verses provided me with fresh perspective and encouragement regarding my own self-control.

Take a moment to bookmark this post and come back to it often to read over all of the verses or just a few at a time. After all, we know that faith comes by hearing and hearing, by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

Pray

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray in Matthew 6:9-13, He encouraged them to pray that God would help them to resist temptation and to deliver them from evil.

And as mentioned earlier in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

God never intended for us to fight our battles alone.

Pray daily that God will help you to develop self-control in every situation. And in those moments you feel tempted to fall back into old habits, take a few minutes to pause, pray, and ask God for strength.

Enlist an Accountability Partner

Let a trusted friend, family member, or mentor in on your struggles and ask for their help and encouragement.

Your spouse can remind you of your goals when you’re about to dive into a late-night, binge-eating episode. A friend can check in daily on your alcohol consumption or set up a weekly coffee date to chat about your struggles with anger or lust.

Often, just the knowledge that someone else is aware of your goals and holding you accountable to them will drive you to succeed. Plus, they may even be able to help identify your blind spots that are holding you back.

Seek Counseling

Some addictions and issues of self-control require the help of a counselor. These are professionals who have extensively studied the field of psychology, counseled hundreds of others in the same boat, and can help to identify the root cause of your struggles and make a plan to tackle it.

Be sure to check out 7 Benefits of Counseling That Will Change Everything You Thought You Knew for the low-down on counseling.

Pinpoint Your True Need

Ask yourself what you’re truly trying to accomplish through your actions.

Are you trying to relieve stress and tension when you lash out in anger?

Are you attempting to nurse your emotions with food and alcohol?

Is lust a stand-in for you because your relationship with your spouse isn’t in the best shape?

By digging to the root of why we do the things we do, we can correctly identify our motives, question if our current habits are meeting those needs (they’re usually not), and develop a plan for meeting them in a healthier way.

We can also bring those needs to God in prayer! “God, I’m struggling with alcoholism because I’m depressed. How can I more effectively treat my depression?”

Now that you’ve taken some time to study self control in the Bible, take a few minutes to prayerfully consider your own struggles with self-control and to make a plan of attack!

So, what have you learned about self control in the Bible? Be sure to share in the comments!

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