Self-control

Self-control is the mark of a wise person

Proverbs 29:11 KJV 1900

A fool uttereth all his mind: But a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

See also Pr 1:1–5

Self-control is an aspect of Christian character

Ga 5:22–23; Tt 2:11–12

See also 1 Ti 3:2; Tt 1:8; Tt 2:2; Tt 2:5–6; 2 Pe 1:5–9

Self-control affects the whole person

Physical self-control

1 Corinthians 9:26–27 KJV 1900

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 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.

See also 1 Co 7:36–38; 1 Th 4:3–7

A mental discipline

1 Peter 1:13 KJV 1900

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

See also 1 Th 5:6–8; 1 Pe 4:7; 1 Pe 5:8

Controlled speech

Ps 141:3; Jas 1:19

See also Ps 17:3; Pr 16:23; Pr 21:23; Ec 5:2; Jas 3:1–12

Self-control in response to persecution

Matthew 5:39–40 KJV 1900

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.

See also 1 Pe 2:18–23

Examples of self-control

Ge 39:7–12 Joseph

David:

1 Sa 24:1–7; 1 Sa 26:7–12; 2 Sa 16:9–10

Job:

Job 31:1; Job 31:30

Jesus Christ:

Is 53:7 the servant, understood in the NT as a prophecy concerning Jesus Christ; Mk 14:61; Mt 27:27–30

Paul:

1 Co 4:12–13; 1 Co 9:24–27

The dangers of a loss of self-control

Pr 18:7; Je 14:10

See also 1 Sa 18:10–11 Saul; 2 Sa 13:7–14 Amnon; Ps 106:32–33 Moses; Pr 6:1–3; Pr 29:18; Ac 24:25; Ro 1:24–31; 1 Co 7:5 aimed at those who thought that abstaining from sexual relations in marriage was spiritual; 1 Co 7:9; Col 2:23

False teaching was leading to the throwing off of restraints in the name of the gospel:

2 Pe 2:12–14; 2 Pe 2:18–19; Jud 4