Key Bible verses about self-control include Galatians 5:22–23, where temperance (self-control) is part of the fruit of the Spirit; Proverbs 25:28, which compares a person without self-control to a city with broken walls; 1 Corinthians 9:25–27 on disciplining the body; and 2 Timothy 1:7, which says God has given us "a sound mind."
In the King James Version, the word for self-control is usually temperance: mastery over your own desires, not just avoiding drink. The Bible treats it as both a gift of the Spirit and something we practise. All quotations are from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.
Self-control as fruit of the Spirit
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22–23
Self-control is listed last, but it isn't an afterthought. It grows from the same root as love and joy: the Spirit's work in you, not willpower alone.
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." Titus 2:11–12
Grace doesn't only forgive. Paul says it teaches us to live soberly.
What a life without self-control looks like
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." Proverbs 25:28
An ancient city without walls was open to anything. That's a good picture of a mind that goes wherever the next notification sends it.
"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
Discipline like an athlete
"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." 1 Corinthians 9:25
"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection." 1 Corinthians 9:27
"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." Hebrews 12:11
Discipline feels bad while you're doing it and good afterwards. Nearly everyone who has given up a morning scroll says the same.
Growing in self-control step by step
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness." 2 Peter 1:5–6
Peter describes self-control as something you add, with effort, over time.
On temptation
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8
"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." Romans 13:14
"Make not provision" is practical advice: don't leave the door open. If an app always wins, don't keep it one tap away.
On not being mastered by anything
"All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." 1 Corinthians 6:12
Phones and apps aren't sinful in themselves. Paul's question is whether something has power over you.
On keeping your eyes and mouth
"Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way." Psalm 119:37
"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23
What does the Bible say about self-control?
It says self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23), a mark of wisdom (Proverbs 25:28), something to train like an athlete (1 Corinthians 9:25–27) and something grace itself teaches (Titus 2:12). It's both God's work in you and your choice to cooperate with it.
How do I practise self-control with my phone?
Follow Romans 13:14 and make no provision: decide ahead of time, so you're not deciding in the moment. Charge your phone outside the bedroom, turn off non-essential notifications, and put your hardest apps behind a pause. Prayer Latch locks the apps you choose at set times until you pray, which turns "I'll try not to" into a default you set once.
Pray before you scroll
Prayer Latch locks your chosen apps each morning until you pray. Your first 7 days are free, no card needed.
Updated October 22, 2026 by the Prayer Latch team at Janus Works LLC.