Curious what the Bible says about self-discipline and self-control? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Bible verses on self-control were given to us by God to help us live a holy life and follow the narrow way. (Matthew 7: 13-14) Whether you’re curious about faith or whether you’ve been a Christian for years, scripture about self-control is for your good! Rather than white knuckle your way through times of comparison, fear, and temptation, God gives us grace and strength through verses about self-discipline.
Why Do We Need Self-Control as Christians?
As Christians, we need self-control for many reasons. Because the enemy of our souls, Satan, prowls around like a lion, seeking whom he can devour (1 Peter 5:8), we need self-control to resist him. God gave us scriptures about self-control to renew our minds and give us strength to resist the devil. (James 4:7).
Another reason we need self-control as Christians is that we need the power to resist temptation. We live in a world that tells us to do what we want, when we want, 24/7, 365 days a year. God’s way is different. As early as the second book of the Bible, we find a scripture about self-control – the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). This Bible verse about self-control gives us clear boundaries on how to honor our neighbor and bring good into the world.
We find a list of “No’s.” Things like, don’t steal, don’t covet, and don’t commit adultery.
And we find a list of “Do’s.”. Things like keeping the sabbath day and honoring your father and mother.
God is faithful in giving us Bible scriptures on self-control to keep us from temptation and to make the world a better place as we live the way He designed. As we resist temptation, we live according to God’s will, guarding our souls and sharing God’s light with the world.
Bible Verses about Self-Control
Now that we’ve covered why we need self-control as Christians, it’s only fair to ask the question: What does the Bible say about self-control? The Bible has so much to say about self-control. In 1 Samuel 24, we even see David spare King Saul’s life, even though King Saul was trying to kill David. Talk about wild self-control! God’s kingdom is full of love, peace, and patience. Let’s dive into some of our favorite Bible scriptures about self-control.
Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. - Proverbs 16:32
This scripture about self-control comes from the book of Proverbs, one of the five wisdom books in the Bible. In its pages, you’ll find rules for living, lots of wisdom, and teachings for how to have a holy life. Bible scriptures on self-control are sprinkled all throughout the book of Proverbs!
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. - Proverbs 25:28
If you’re wondering, “What does the Bible say about self-control?” the book of Proverbs is a great place to start. As you read, you’ll find there is a Proverb for each day of the month. God is so kind to not only give us Bible scriptures on self-control, but He also gives us timeless wisdom through the Proverbs.
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. - 1 Corinthians 10:13
Bible scriptures on self-control aren’t just found in the Old Testament, they’re also in the New Testament. This Bible verse about self-control comes from 1 Corinthians and is written by the Apostle Paul. Every one of us will experience temptation, but through the Holy Spirit, God provides a way out so we don’t give in to the temptation we face.
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. - 2 Timothy 2:22
This Bible verse about self-control comes from Paul’s second letter to Timothy. You may be wondering, what does “flee the evil desires of youth” mean? Another way to say this phrase is, “flee your youthful lusts.” Youthful lusts are things like drunkenness, partying, and sexual immorality. Through Bible scriptures on self-control, Christians can resist temptation and pursue righteousness.
Self-control and freedom from a life of sin isn’t too good to be true. God can turn your life around. Hear a real-life testimony from Gabe Craig: From Addict to Evangelist: How a Near-Death Experience Changes Everything
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, - James 1:19
What does the Bible say about self-control? The Bible says that self-control is active in Christians who are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Through Bible scriptures on self-control, you can renew your mind and find the freedom that Christ offers.
Learn more about freedom from anger: 10 Bible Verses for When You Feel Angry
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. - 1 Peter 1:13
Bible scriptures on self-control remind us of our identity in Jesus and the freedom He’s given us. When our minds are alert and fully sober, they are filled with self-control, self-discipline, and the righteousness of God. When you received Jesus into your heart, you were set free from the laws of sin and death (Romans 8:2). Now, you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21), and you have the grace to operate with self-control.
Are you ready for a fresh start and want to give your life to Jesus? Today is the day of salvation! Learn more in our blog: This is For You
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; - 2 Peter 1:5-6
This Bible verse about self-control invites us to make every effort to operate in the gifts of the Spirit and persevere towards Godliness. Persevere is a big word that means, “Keep running the race! Keep going!” While it takes effort to grow in discipline, Bible scriptures about self-control help us to keep pressing on to the hope and freedom that’s available in Jesus.
Bible Verses about Self-Discipline
Now that we’ve discovered Bible verses about self-control, we’re going to answer the question, “What does the Bible say about self-discipline?” Through self-discipline Bible verses, we’ll show you what God has to say on the topic and encourage you towards a life of Godly discipline.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7
This Bible verse about self-discipline comes from Paul’s second letter to Timothy. In this chapter, Paul is encouraging Timothy to be faithful, to fan the flame of God, and not to be ashamed of his faith in Jesus. We can see that self-discipline Bible verses are super important in the Christian faith, because the Apostle Paul wrote this letter from prison!
Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. - Titus 1:8
Bible verses about self-discipline are often sandwiched between other Godly attributes Christians have. Verses about self-discipline remind us that when we love what is good, we are self-controlled, upright, holy, and more eager to live with discipline.
New to the Bible and spiritual disciplines? Read our tips for how to have Bible studies and grow in the Word of God: How to Study the Bible for Beginners
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. - Proverbs 29:11
Bible verses about self-discipline are sprinkled throughout the book of Proverbs. As we grow in wisdom, we grow in patience and peace. These character attributes are grown over time, they don’t magically appear one day. Verses about self-discipline invite us to become more like Jesus, every day. When we discover that self-discipline is rooted in our love for God and our love for others, resisting temptation and following God becomes easier.
Renew your mind and receive the love of God through the scriptures: 10 Bible Verses About God’s Love for You
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. - Hebrews 12:11
Bible verses about self-discipline remind us that even when discipline seems painful, it will produce a harvest of peace and righteousness.
Getting up early is a discipline, but it gives you more hours in your day. Reading your Bible when you’d rather scroll on your phone is a spiritual discipline, but the Word of God is better for you than screen time. Choosing God’s ways over the world’s way is a discipline, but God’s kingdom is always better than the world’s kingdom. Self-discipline Bible verses remind us that making the hard choice now will pay off in the end.
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, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. - Titus 2:11-14
Bible verses about self-discipline remind us that we have the power to say, “No” to worldly passions. Through Jesus, we can live self-controlled and godly lives. If you find yourself messing up or falling short of these verses about self-discipline, don’t worry: God has grace and forgiveness for you. The most important thing you can do is run back to God.
Find further freedom in our blog: What Does God Say About My Mistakes? | 4 Things to Do When You Mess Up
Do you not know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 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. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
If you’ve ever decided to run a marathon, you know that it requires a lot of training. You can’t just run 26.2 miles on a whim. The same goes for our faith. Bible verses about self-discipline invite us to think about discipline like training for a marathon. Self-discipline isn’t just for the sake of becoming more disciplined. We should be eager to grow in self-discipline because we’re becoming more like God and, in doing so, we’re bringing God’s kingdom to earth through our obedience.
Learn more about how to grow in obedience: Why Obedience to God is Good
A Routine to Help Cultivate Self-Control
Christian Advice on Self-Control
Now that we’ve discovered what the Bible says about self-discipline and learned what the Bible says about self-control, it’s time to create an action plan for our lives. Cultivating a disciplined life takes time, patience, and commitment. Here are some of our tips and Christian advice on self-control:
1. Commit to Prayer: Prayer is essential to the Christian life. Self-control apart from prayer is like making a wish and throwing a coin in a wishing well – it’s probably not going to work. Prayer is as simple as talking to God like a friend, and you can start today!
Discover our resources on prayer: 8 Ways to Pray Throughout the Day
2. Read Your Bible Every Day: The Bible is God’s Word given to us. It is living, active, and sharper than a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). When we read Bible scriptures on self-control and verses about self-discipline, we are on the right path to squashing temptation and following the ways of Jesus.
Reading the Bible doesn’t have to be hard. Learn about God’s power to bring freedom through the Bible: 10 Bible Verses about Freedom in Christ
3. Pursue Accountability: Any routine to help cultivate self-control must have an accountability plan. In James 5:16, it says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” If you’re struggling with certain sinful habits, it may feel safer to keep your struggle to yourself, but it’s not. Bible verses about self-control invite believers to share their struggles with other Christians so that they can repent, be encouraged, and heal.
4. Avoid Temptation: We know what you’re thinking, “How can I avoid temptation?” While it may seem impossible, it isn’t. We become what we worship. In other words, we become what we think about, dream about, focus on, and make time for. If you’re focusing on alcohol, sex, money, gossip, or lust, then you will most likely give in to those temptations.
Struggling with alcohol? Avoid the bars, join Alcoholics Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery, and fill your calendar with good, Godly, and fun things to do.
Struggling with lust? Install Covenant Eyes on your computer and get an accountability partner. Delete the music on your phone that tempts you and take up a new sport to move your body.
As you surround yourself with a Godly community, read Bible verses about self-control, develop a life of prayer, and stay away from the things of this world, you will find it easier to live a life of self-discipline.
5. Consider Fasting: Throughout the Bible, fasting is a common theme. Christians fast to express their need for God, to deepen their prayer life, to overcome temptation, and to tear down spiritual strongholds. Fasting can be a healthy part of the Christian life.
As you’re first starting out with fasting, we recommend a 1-day water fast, a 10-day Daniel fast – where you only eat fruits, veggies, and grains – or a media fast, where you abstain from movies, music, and television to make more room for prayer.
However, if you have a history of disordered eating or struggle with body image, we recommend doing a media fast instead of a water fast. There is hope for you if you’re wrestling with an eating disorder.
Reach out to the National Alliance for Eating Disorders to get free help today.
6. Remember the Goal: Bible scriptures on self-control remind us that self-control is so much bigger than us as individuals. Christians strive to have self-disciplined lives so that they can live free from sin, become more like Jesus, and in doing so, make the world a better place. Through meditating on verses about self-discipline and reading Bible verses about self-control, we discover how God wants to use us to make the world look more like heaven.
As you resist temptation, grow in accountability, read your Bible daily, and make a habit of prayer, not only will you find yourself operating in self-control, but you’ll find you’re becoming more like Jesus, bringing His kingdom to earth every day.
Conclusion
Self-control and self-discipline aren’t just lofty ideas —they’re powerful tools God has given us to live a life of freedom, peace, and purpose. Through reading Bible scriptures on self-control, growing in prayer, and living in community, you can achieve self-discipline. Whether you're just beginning your walk with God or have been following Him for years, remember: you’re not alone in this journey. Keep leaning into God’s grace, following our Christian advice on self-control, and trust that He’s working in you. Remember, God’s got you and He’s for you.
