What the Bible says about self-control

The 10 verses readers most often turn to for this topic, quoted in full from the Berean Standard Bible.

Prov 25:28Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.

Gal 5:22–23But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

2 Tim 1:7For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

1 Cor 10:13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

Prov 16:32He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

2 Pet 1:5–6For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

1 Pet 4:7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.

1 Cor 9:27No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

1 Pet 5:8Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Prov 29:11A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.

These are the verses readers most often turn to for this topic — not a teaching on it. Read each in its chapter.

Sources

The verses of each topic and their order: OpenBible.info topical data, by readers’ votes: OpenBible.info · CC BY 4.0

Berean Standard Bible · Public domain