Living and character
What does the Bible say about self-control?
Self-control is fruit of the Spirit rather than sheer willpower, grown as we walk with God and keep short accounts with Him.
What Scripture says
Galatians 5:22-23
“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.”
Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.”
1 Corinthians 9:25
“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.”
Titus 2:11-12
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;”
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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. See all Bible questions or verses by topic.