How Does the Bible Explain Self-Control?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. — Galatians 5:22-23, NIV
It’s clear that self-control (also commonly called self-discipline or self-restraint) is an important attribute we should have as followers of Jesus. To better understand self-control, we need to take it back to the Greek word used here.
Being “In Power” Over Yourself
In Greek, the word for self-control is egkrateia. This word is a compound of two Greek words: en, which literally means “in,” and kratos, which means “power.”
Putting it together, self-control means being “in power” over yourself. It means being “in power” over your emotions, your body, your thoughts, your impulses, your behaviors and your actions.
As Christians, the meaning of self-control goes a bit deeper. It means taking control of ourselves and submitting to the Father. It means trading our actions, thoughts and behaviors for his. And when we do so, we’ll become more like him.
Does God Want Us to Have Self-Control?
Absolutely! His Word is clear that self-control is a must-have for those who follow Christ. In fact, if we don’t have self-control, we’re missing a clear attribute that shows we’re guided by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Plus, as you’ll notice in the Bible verses below, self-control is discussed often in his Word — a clear sign of self-control’s importance.
Examples of Self-Control
When we think about self-control, it’s easy to think about things like not eating cake for dinner (well, every day at least). But there are so many other examples of using self-control in our day-to-day lives, like:
Choosing to speak life to someone instead of venting anger.
Giving generously when you’d rather keep everything to yourself.
Forgiving someone instead of “getting even.”
Serving quietly instead of seeking recognition from others.
Turning to Jesus in moments of temptation instead of giving in.
Reading the Bible or spending time in prayer instead of scrolling.
12 Bible Verses About Self-Control
The Bible talks about self-control and ways to develop and use it many times. Here are some key verses.
All Scriptures written in NIV unless otherwise noted.
1. 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.
2. Proverbs 25:28
Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
3. 1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
4. Proverbs 16:32
Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
5. Mark 9:43-47
If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell.
6. 1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 a way out so that you can endure it.
7. James 1:19-20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
8. Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
9. Ephesians 4:22
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.
10. Psalm 141:3
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.
11. Romans 13:14
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
12. 2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
What Are Some Ways to Practice & Develop Self-Control?
Self-control isn’t something we can perfect overnight. As imperfect humans, we all have moments where we fall short.
In Corinthians 15:31 (NIV), Paul says, “I face death every day — yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What did he mean? He means we must die daily to our flesh — choosing our heavenly Father’s ways over our own.
Each day, we must practice to develop self-control. What are some ways we can do so?
1. Read the Bible
How can we choose God’s ways over our own if we don’t know what his ways even are? This is one of the reasons reading the Bible is so incredibly important.
When you read God’s Word, you discover who he is and how he responds. And you can use his example to guide you in any situation you face. Take some time each day to read the Bible, even if it’s just a passage.
Remember: God’s Word is both a sword (Hebrews 4:12) and a lamp (Psalm 119:105). As you move through your day-to-day life, his Word can help you fight temptation while showing you the way through difficult situations. And as you heed its advice, you’ll start to develop self-control.
2. Stop & Pray Before You Respond
All of us have opportunities to respond every day. Someone may say something hurtful to you. You may be handed an unnecessarily stressful project at work. In these situations, it’s important to take a beat before you respond.
Our flesh likes to lash out. It likes to get even and complain. But Proverbs 21:23 (NIV) says, “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” How you respond to a situation can literally cause destruction or protect you from it.
Before your next step, pray. Ask God to help you respond in a way that would be honoring to him.
3. Ask God to Help You Resist Temptation
God is also faithful to help you avoid temptation. You see, Jesus knows all about temptation. In fact, he was tempted for 40 days and 40 nights by Satan himself (Mark 1:13). He knows how hard it is to conquer the flesh. Yet he was successful.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin. — Hebrews 4:15, NIV
He can help us resist temptation too. When moments of temptations arise, ask the Father for help in prayer. Ask him to help you want something better — to want the things he wants. Then, choose something better.
Instead of typing and sending a hurtful text back, read Scripture. Instead of giving in to that sin, put on some worship music and spend time with Jesus.
As you resist temptation, you grow stronger with the help of your heavenly Father. And his Word says that if we submit ourselves to him and resist the devil, Satan will flee from us (James 4:7). That’s a promise.
4. Practice Giving to Others
A key part of developing self-control is learning how to resist our impulses. And in this “me, me, me” world we live in, selfish impulses are sometimes the hardest to resist. It’s easy for us to want to keep what’s ours — those things we’ve worked hard for.
But Biblical self-control means trading our thoughts, actions and behaviors for God’s. And one way to practice self-control is actively choosing his ways over ours.
God is generous. He gives freely. He gave his own Son, Jesus, so that we could be saved from sin and death. Just like God, we should give freely too, not try to hoard everything for ourselves.
Each day, try to find a way to give. You might give up some of your time to help a neighbor. You might give some of your extra canned goods to a local pantry. Or you might donate to a cause you care deeply about.
Remember: Self-control isn’t something you’ll perfect today, tomorrow or even next month. Developing self-control requires choosing God’s ways over your own daily. And before you go, let this encourage you: Your heavenly Father is there to help you. Call out to him when you fear losing control — he’s faithful to guide you!