The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Temperance

Temperance is a virtue that many strive for but often find challenging to maintain. This article offers 50 Bible verses to guide and inspire you in your journey toward self-control and moderation.

These verses provide wisdom and encouragement, helping you to reflect on the importance of temperance in your daily life. Whether you're seeking strength, understanding, or simply a reminder, these scriptures have you covered.

50 Bible Verses About Temperance

10 Bible Verses on Temperance in Speech

• "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1
• "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." — James 1:19
• "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles." — Proverbs 21:23
• "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." — Ephesians 4:29
• "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." — Colossians 4:6
• "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise." — Proverbs 10:19
• "A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." — Ecclesiastes 3:7
• "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment." — Matthew 12:36
• "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips." — Psalm 141:3
• "Sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you." — Titus 2:8

10 Bible Verses on The Fruit of Self-Control

• "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
• "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
• "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
• "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls." — Proverbs 25:28
• "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach." — 1 Timothy 3:2
• "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." — Romans 12:1-2
• "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." — Philippians 4:5
• "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
• "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 we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." — Hebrews 12:1

10 Bible Verses on Temperance and Relationships

• "With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." — Ephesians 4:2
• "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'" — 1 Peter 4:8
• "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
• "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." — Proverbs 17:17
• "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." — Romans 14:19
• "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2
• "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." — Philippians 2:3
• "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." — 1 John 4:7
• "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." — Proverbs 27:17

10 Bible Verses on Spiritual Discipline and Moderation

• "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
• "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." — 1 Corinthians 9:27
• "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." — Hebrews 5:14
• "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." — 2 Timothy 2:15
• "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
• "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." — Colossians 3:2
• "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts." — Romans 6:12
• "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 3:14
• "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." — 1 Corinthians 15:58
• "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." — James 4:7

10 Bible Verses on Temperance in Actions

• "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." — Colossians 3:23
• "A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness." — Proverbs 12:23
• "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
• "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:16
• "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." — Galatians 6:9
• "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." — Ephesians 5:15-16
• "Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation." — 1 Peter 2:12
• "For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's." — Romans 14:8
• "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31
• "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." — 2 Corinthians 5:10

What Does the Bible Say About Temperance

Temperance is a key virtue in the Bible, guiding us to live balanced and thoughtful lives. The scriptures offer wisdom on how to practice self-control and moderation in various aspects of our lives. These teachings are not just rules but pathways to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

One major theme is temperance in speech. Verses like Proverbs 15:1 and James 1:19 remind us to be mindful of our words. Speaking gently and listening more can prevent conflicts and build better relationships. It's about using our words to uplift rather than harm.

Another important theme is self-control as a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control among other virtues like love and peace. Practicing self-control helps us stay focused on what truly matters and resist temptations that lead us astray.

Temperance also plays a crucial role in our relationships. Ephesians 4:2 and 1 Peter 4:8 encourage us to be patient and loving with one another. By showing kindness and forgiveness, we can create stronger, more supportive communities.

Lastly, the Bible speaks about spiritual discipline and moderation. Verses like 1 Timothy 4:7-8 and 1 Corinthians 9:27 emphasize the importance of training ourselves in godliness. This means making conscious choices that align with our faith and values, leading to a more disciplined and meaningful life.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Temperance

Applying the Bible's teachings on temperance can make a big difference in our daily lives. These verses offer practical wisdom that can help us live more balanced and fulfilling lives.

• Mindful Speech: Practice speaking gently and listening more. For example, before responding in a heated conversation, take a moment to breathe and think about your words.
• Daily Prayer: Start your day with a prayer asking for self-control and guidance. This can set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
• Healthy Habits: Incorporate small acts of self-discipline, like setting limits on screen time or choosing healthier foods.
• Community Involvement: Engage in activities that promote kindness and support, such as volunteering or joining a church group.
• Reflective Journaling: Keep a journal to track your progress and reflect on areas where you can improve your self-control.

Remember, God is always with you, offering strength and guidance. With faith and effort, you can grow in temperance and lead a more peaceful life.

For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.