Bible Verses About Self-Control
For the daily discipline of the heart, these verses offer the Spirit's steadying strength.
The Bible speaks to self-control. Verses such as Proverbs 16:32, Proverbs 15:1, and James 1:19 speak to it with honesty and hope, and point the heart back to God.
“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Proverbs 16:32“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
James 1:19“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
Proverbs 10:19“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
Proverbs 18:21“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
1 Samuel 15:22“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”
Proverbs 19:11“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”
Psalms 37:8“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Luke 9:23“And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:”
1 Kings 2:3“And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,”
Deuteronomy 10:12“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Proverbs 4:23
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Common questions
What does the Bible say about self-control?
The Bible speaks to self-control. Verses such as Proverbs 16:32, Proverbs 15:1, and James 1:19 speak to it with honesty and hope, and point the heart back to God.
What is the best Bible verse about self-control?
Proverbs 16:32 is one of the most turned-to verses about self-control, and many also return to Proverbs 15:1 and James 1:19. The best verse is the one that meets you where you are today; read a few slowly and keep the one that steadies you.
What are short Bible verses about self-control?
Short, easy-to-hold verses about self-control include Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 4:23, and Psalms 37:8. A single line, read slowly and carried through the day, can quiet a hard moment.
Which Psalm helps with self-control?
Psalms 37:8 is a comforting psalm about self-control. The Psalms give honest words for what the heart feels, from sorrow to trust, which is why so many return to them.
How can I use these Bible verses about self-control?
Read one verse slowly, take a breath, and turn it into a short prayer in your own words. Keep it somewhere you will see it, and let it be a companion through the day rather than a task to finish.