Self-control is listed among the fruit of the Spirit, which means it is grown more than gritted out. Scripture compares the soul without rule over itself to a city broken down and without walls. By grace we are taught to deny ungodliness and to live soberly in this present world. These passages train the believer in that quiet, daily discipline.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
In the original: ἐγκράτεια egkrateia G1466 — From G1468; self control (especially continence): - temperance.
See also: Colossians 3:12 · 1 Corinthians 13:4 · John 15:5 · James 3:17
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
See also: Romans 8:15 · 1 John 4:18 · John 14:27 · Galatians 5:22
28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
See also: Proverbs 16:32 · Proverbs 22:24 · 2 Chronicles 32:5 · Nehemiah 1:3
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 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.
In the original: ἐγκρατεύομαι egkrateuomai G1467 — Middle voice from G1468; to exercise self restraint (in diet and chastity): - can([-not]) contain, be temperate.
See also: Philippians 3:14 · Hebrews 12:1 · Romans 8:13 · 2 Timothy 4:7
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, hath...: or, to all men, hath appeared 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
In the original: σωφρόνως sōphronōs G4996 — Adverb from G4998; with sound mind, that is, moderately: - soberly.
See also: Ephesians 2:8 · 1 Timothy 2:4 · Isaiah 45:22 · Ezekiel 36:27
32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
See also: James 1:19 · Proverbs 15:18 · Proverbs 25:28 · Proverbs 14:29
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
In the original: ἐγκράτεια egkrateia G1466 — From G1468; self control (especially continence): - temperance.
See also: Philippians 4:8 · Proverbs 4:23 · 2 Peter 3:18 · Hebrews 6:11
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
See also: Proverbs 17:27 · Proverbs 21:23 · Proverbs 14:29 · Proverbs 10:19
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
In the original: νήφω nēphō G3525 — Of uncertain affinity; to abstain from wine (keep sober), that is, (figuratively) be discreet: - be sober, watch.
See also: Ephesians 6:11 · James 4:7 · Ephesians 4:27 · Job 2:2
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
See also: Proverbs 19:11 · Proverbs 12:16 · Micah 7:5 · Amos 5:13
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
In the original: νήφω nēphō G3525 — Of uncertain affinity; to abstain from wine (keep sober), that is, (figuratively) be discreet: - be sober, watch.
See also: Romans 13:12 · 1 Peter 1:13 · Matthew 24:42 · Luke 22:46
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. ye...: or, fulfil not
See also: Galatians 5:24 · Romans 8:12 · Galatians 6:8 · Galatians 5:19
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
In the original: ἐπιεικής epieikēs G1933 — From G1909 and G1503; appropriate, that is, (by implication) mild: - gentle, moderation, patient.
See also: James 5:8 · Matthew 6:25 · Titus 3:2 · Hebrews 10:37
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
See also: 1 Peter 1:14 · Ephesians 4:22 · 2 Corinthians 5:17 · Colossians 3:10