The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Self Control

Self-control is a vital part of our daily lives. It helps us make better decisions and stay on the right path.

This article brings together 50 Bible verses that highlight the importance of self-control. These verses offer wisdom and guidance for anyone looking to strengthen their self-discipline.

50 Bible Verses About Self Control

10 Bible Verses on Self Control in Relationships

• "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1
• "With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." — Ephesians 4:2
• "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." — Colossians 3:13
• "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'" — 1 Peter 4:8
• "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." — James 1:19
• "He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit." — Proverbs 17:27
• "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil." — 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
• "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." — Romans 12:10
• "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." — Philippians 2:3
• "See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all." — 1 Thessalonians 5:15

10 Bible Verses on Self Discipline and Patience

• "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." — Galatians 5:22-23
• "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." — 2 Timothy 1:7
• "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls." — Proverbs 25:28
• "And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." — 1 Corinthians 9:25
• "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." — Hebrews 12:11
• "You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." — James 5:8
• "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer." — Romans 12:12
• "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time." — 1 Peter 5:6
• "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." — Proverbs 16:32
• "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness." — 2 Peter 1:5-6

10 Bible Verses on Resisting Temptation

• "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." — 1 Corinthians 10:13
• "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." — James 4:7
• "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." — Matthew 26:41
• "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." — Ephesians 6:11
• "For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world." — 1 John 2:16
• "Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on." — Proverbs 4:14-15
• "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." — 2 Timothy 2:22
• "For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." — Hebrews 2:18
• "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." — Psalm 119:11
• "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, 'If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.' But He answered and said, 'It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."' Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, 'If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: "He shall give His angels charge over you," and, "In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone."' Jesus said to him, 'It is written again, "You shall not tempt the Lord your God."' Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, 'All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Away with you, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve."' Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him." — Matthew 4:1-11

10 Bible Verses on Mindfulness and Moderation

• "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." — Philippians 4:8
• "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." — 1 Peter 1:13
• "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." — Romans 8:5-6
• "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." — Colossians 3:2
• "Hear, my son, and be wise; and guide your heart in the way. Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags." — Proverbs 23:19-21
• "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." — 1 Timothy 6:6-8
• "It is good that you grasp this, and also not remove your hand from the other; for he who fears God will escape them all." — Ecclesiastes 7:18
• "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." — 1 Corinthians 6:12
• "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age." — Titus 2:11-12
• "He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich." — Proverbs 21:17

10 Bible Verses on Spiritual Self Mastery

• "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." — Galatians 5:16
• "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
• "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one." — 1 Corinthians 2:14-15
• "That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." — Ephesians 4:22-24
• "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." — Colossians 3:5
• "But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." — 1 Timothy 4:7-8
• "Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." — 2 Corinthians 10:5
• "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God." — Romans 6:12-13
• "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul." — 1 Peter 2:11
• "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." — Galatians 2:20

What Does the Bible Say About Self Control

Self-control is a recurring theme in the Bible, offering guidance on how to live a balanced and righteous life. The verses shared above highlight the importance of self-discipline in various aspects of our lives, from relationships to resisting temptation. These teachings encourage us to develop inner strength and rely on God's wisdom to navigate life's challenges.

In relationships, self-control helps us respond with kindness and patience. Verses like Proverbs 15:1 and Ephesians 4:2 remind us to speak gently and bear with one another in love. This approach fosters harmony and understanding, making our interactions more compassionate and less conflict-prone.

When it comes to self-discipline and patience, the Bible emphasizes the value of perseverance and a sound mind. Galatians 5:22-23 and 2 Timothy 1:7 highlight the fruits of the Spirit, including self-control, which guide us to live thoughtfully and with purpose. These teachings encourage us to stay focused and patient, even in difficult times.

Resisting temptation is another key theme. Verses like 1 Corinthians 10:13 and James 4:7 offer reassurance that God provides a way out of temptation. By submitting to God and resisting the devil, we can overcome the challenges that test our resolve.

Lastly, mindfulness and moderation are essential for spiritual self-mastery. Philippians 4:8 and 1 Peter 1:13 urge us to focus on what is noble and pure, helping us maintain a balanced and godly life. These verses remind us to be mindful of our thoughts and actions, leading to a more fulfilling and spiritually aligned existence.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Self Control

Applying Bible teachings about self-control in daily life is essential for personal growth and spiritual well-being. These verses offer practical wisdom that can help us navigate challenges and build stronger relationships.

• Start your day with prayer: Begin each morning by asking God for strength and guidance to practice self-control throughout the day.
• Practice mindfulness: Take a few moments each day to reflect on your thoughts and actions. This can help you stay focused on what is noble and pure, as Philippians 4:8 suggests.
• Set small goals: Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes it easier to stay disciplined and patient, as encouraged in Galatians 5:22-23.
• Join a community group: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can support and hold you accountable. This fosters a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement.
• Practice forgiveness: When conflicts arise, remember verses like Colossians 3:13 and choose to forgive others, promoting peace and understanding in your relationships.
• Resist temptation: Keep Bible verses like 1 Corinthians 10:13 in mind to remind yourself that God provides a way out of every temptation.

Remember, God is always with you, offering strength and guidance. Trust in His wisdom and let your faith drive your transformation. For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.