Bible Stories About Self Control

Self-control is a skill that helps us make good choices in our lives. It's like having a strong captain steering a ship, keeping it on the right path even when there are big waves or strong winds trying to push it off course.

Self-control helps us think before we act, making sure we choose actions that are good for us and the people around us.

It's not always easy to have self-control. Sometimes, we might really want to do something, like eat a whole bag of cookies even when we know it's not good for us, or perhaps say something unkind in anger. But with self-control, we learn to stop, think, and choose a better action. This helps us grow stronger, kinder, and happier.

In our post today on Bible Stories About Self Control, we will share with you some accounts of individuals in the Bible who should a great deal of self control with supporting scriptures.

See also: Bible Stories About Kindness

What Does The Bible Say About Self Control

The Bible talks a lot about self-control because it's an important part of living a good and happy life. It teaches us that having self-control is a key part of being wise and making good choices. Here are five examples from the Bible:

• Self-control helps us avoid trouble.
• It is a fruit of the Spirit, which means it's a sign of living God's way.
• It leads to life and peace.
• It protects us like a city with strong walls.
• It's better than being powerful or rich because it helps us live well.

Bible Stories About Self Control

In the Bible, there are many stories that show how important self-control is. These stories teach us lessons about how controlling our actions and choices can lead to good things, while losing control can cause problems. Let's look at some of these stories.

Joseph Resists Temptation

Joseph, a young man with big dreams, found himself working for Potiphar in Egypt. Although he faced many challenges, a big test of his self-control came when Potiphar's wife tried to make him break God's laws. Joseph chose to do the right thing and run away from her. This story teaches us that having self-control can sometimes mean avoiding bad situations.
Genesis 39:7-12

Daniel Chooses Wisely

Daniel and his friends were living in a place where they were pressured to eat food and do things that went against their beliefs. Instead of giving in, Daniel made a wise choice. He asked to eat vegetables and water, showing self-control in what he ate and drank, which kept him healthy and respected by others.
Daniel 1:8-16

David Spares Saul's Life

When David had the chance to harm Saul, who was trying to kill him, he chose not to. David showed self-control by not taking revenge and trusting God's plan for justice instead. His decision teaches us that self-control can stop us from making bad choices in anger.
1 Samuel 24:1-22

Jesus in the Wilderness

Right after His baptism, Jesus went into the wilderness where He was tempted by Satan. Despite being very hungry and facing great temptations, Jesus used God's Word to stay strong and make wise choices. This shows us that self-control often involves relying on what we know is true, even when it's hard.
Matthew 4:1-11

James Encourages Self-Control

In his letter, James talks about the importance of controlling our tongues – that is, being careful with what we say. It's easy to say things in anger or frustration, but James reminds us that self-control in our words can prevent a lot of trouble and hurt.
James 3:1-12

20 Bible Verses About Self Control

1. Galatians 5:22-23 - "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."
2. 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
3. Proverbs 25:28 - "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control."
4. 1 Corinthians 9:27 - "But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."
5. 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."
6. Proverbs 16:32 - "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city."
7. 1 Peter 4:7 - "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray."
8. 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."
9. Titus 1:8 - "Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined."
10. 2 Peter 1:5-6 - "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness."
11. Proverbs 29:11 - "Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end."
12. Ephesians 4:26-27 - "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."
13. 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."
14. Galatians 5:16 - "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
15. Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
16. Proverbs 17:27 - "The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered."
17. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
18. James 3:2 - "We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check."
19. 1 Peter 1:13 - "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."
20. Proverbs 21:23 - "Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity."

15 Christian Quotes About Self Control

• "Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and self-respect is the chief element in courage."
• "He who reigns within himself and rules passions, desires, and fears is more than a king."
• "Self-control is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is power."
• "By constant self-discipline and self-control, you can develop greatness of character."
• "The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term is the indispensable prerequisite for success."
• "Self-control is the quality that distinguishes the fittest to survive."
• "Freedom is not the absence of commitments, but the ability to choose – and commit myself to – what is best for me."
• "The price of excellence is discipline. The cost of mediocrity is disappointment."
• "True freedom is impossible without a mind made free by discipline."
• "The first and best victory is to conquer self."
• "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."
• "To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.”
• "Only those who have the patience to do simple things perfectly will acquire the skill to do difficult things easily."
• "Self-control might be as passionate and as active as the surrender to passion."
• "Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power."

FAQs on Bible Stories About Self Control

What is self-control in the Bible?

Self-control in the Bible refers to the ability to control one's actions, thoughts, and feelings according to God's will. It's a part of living a good life and is considered a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Why is self-control important?

Self-control is important because it helps us make good choices, avoid sin, and live in a way that pleases God. It also helps us live peacefully with others.

Can anyone have self-control?

Yes, everyone can grow in self-control, but it often takes practice and asking God for help. It's like a muscle that gets stronger the more you use it.

How can I improve my self-control?

Improving self-control can start with small steps, like thinking before acting or asking for God's help in difficult moments. Learning from the Bible and following Jesus' example are great ways to grow in self-control.

Is self-control only about avoiding bad things?

No, self-control is also about choosing to do good things, even when it's hard. It's about controlling our desires to do things God's way.

Does God help us with self-control?

Yes, God helps us by giving us the Holy Spirit, who helps us grow in self-control and all the fruits of the Spirit.

Final Thoughts

Self-control is a valuable skill. It's like the rudder on a ship, guiding us through life's challenges and helping us make choices that lead to true happiness and peace. Through stories in the Bible, we learn how self-control can protect us, guide us, and help us live lives that honor God. Remember, self-control isn't just about avoiding bad things; it's about actively choosing what is good. With God's help and practice, everyone can grow in self-control and enjoy the beautiful life God has for us.