42 Powerful Bible Verses About Self-Control

In this post, we will be sharing with you a collection of powerful bible verses about self-control over anxiety, anger, emotions whilst avoid sinning against God.

Self-control is an important part of everyday life and many bible passages talk about how self-control helps us in our lives. So if you are looking for bible verses about self-control then read on to find out.

What Is Self Control?

Self-control can be defined as the ability to stop oneself from doing something that you have desired to do.

As a Christian, if you are angry with someone over something, the Bible teaches us to exercise self-control by forgiving the person.

Being self controlled is the perfect foundation for living a life of selflessness and righteousness that reflects who Christ is.

What Is A Self Controlled Mind?

A self controlled mind is a free mind, and freedom is power. I call that mind free which jealously guards its intellectual rights and powers.

I call that mind free which resists the bondage of habit, which does not live on its old virtues, but forgets what is behind, and rejoices to pour itself forth in fresh and higher exertions.

Why is self-control important?

Self-control is important for many reasons. It can help you resist temptation, make better decisions, and stick to your goals.

1. Resist Temptation

When you have self-control, you are more certain to resist the devil’s temptation. This means that you are less likely to give in to cravings or impulses or fleshly desires.

For example, if you are trying to eat healthy, self-control can help you resist the urge to indulge in unhealthy eating.

2. God’s Promises Fulfilled

When you learn to have self-control, then the promises of God takes over. God’s promises are numerous, some of which are been prosperous, successful, increase in spiritual growth, live a healthy life and many more.

3. Make Better Decisions

Making better decisions is another key benefit of having self-control. When you have self-control, you are less likely to act on emotions or impulse.

This allows you to take the time to think through your choices before making a life changing decision.

Benefits of Self-Control in the Bible

1. Draws you nearer to God

1 Peter 5:6-7 – “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.”

2. You become successful

Revelation 21:7 – “Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.”

3. You become a role model

Titus 2:6-8 – “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”

Examples of Self-Control in the Bible

1 Samuel 24:9-10 – “And David said to Saul, Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’? Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.”

Job 2:10 – “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

Daniel 1:8-9 – “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs.”

Lack of Self-Control in the Bible

Proverbs 25:28 – “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”

Genesis 4:8 – “Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.”

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.”

Romans 14:20-21 – “Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”

Genesis 3:6 – “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.”

Bible Verses About Self-Control KJV

1 Timothy 3:2-3 – “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;.”

Psalm 17:3 – “Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress”

1 Corinthians 9:27 – “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Job 31:1 – “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?”

Luke 6:27-29 – “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.”

Proverbs 14:29 – “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 – “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:”

2 Peter 1:5-7 – “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”

Bible Verses About Self-Control and Anger

Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Isaiah 53:7 – “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”

Proverbs 16:32 – “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”

Proverbs 29:11 – “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”

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.”

Proverbs 12:16 – “Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.”

Bible Verses About Self-Control and Food

Proverbs 23:20-21 – “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”

Galatians 5:22-24 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Ephesians 5:18-19 – “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”

Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Proverbs 25:16 – “If you find honey, eat just enough– too much of it, and you will vomit.”

Bible Verses About Self-Control and Discipline

2 timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Titus 2:11-12 – “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.”

Psalm 141:3 – “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

1 Corinthians 7:5 – “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.”

Matthew 5:39-40 – “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.”

I Timothy 2:9 ESV – “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,”

Controlling Your Tongue Bible Verses

Proverbs 21:23 – “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”

Proverbs 10:19 – “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

James 3:10 ESV – “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”

James 1:26 – “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”

James 3:4-5 ESV – “Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

Matthew 12:34-37 – “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Prayer For Self Control

Dear God,

I come before your presence today to ask for your help in controlling my heart and mind. I know that I can be impulsive and act without thinking at times. I need Your help to control my thoughts and actions.

Help me to think before I speak or act at all times. Give me the wisdom to know what is right and wrong in every situation. Help me not be a slave to bad habits that keeps me away from your eternal love and blessings.

Help me Lord to have sympathy and compassion for others around me, and to cherish thy tenderness and mercy as I hold it in my daily life.

Thank You for giving me this power of self-control through prayer. This I pray in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!

Verse Of The Day With Reflection

1 Timothy 2:8-10 – “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 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.”

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope that you have been blessed by our collection of bible verses about self-control over anxiety, anger, emotions etc.

Have a wonderful day and God bless.

See also:

• Take control of your thoughts
• How to love yourself God’s way
• God is in control Bible verses
• Overcoming Temptation Bible Verses
• 7 Destiny Destroyers

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