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Self-control — the Greek word egkrateia — is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and a key virtue in Peter's ladder of Christian growth (2 Peter 1:5–7). The Bible presents self-control not as willpower alone but as Spirit-empowered discipline over the body, emotions, and desires. Paul compared the Christian life to athletic training: 'I discipline my body and keep it under control' (1 Corinthians 9:27).
"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."
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance."
"Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control."
"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."
"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."
Both. Galatians 5:22–23 lists self-control as a fruit of the Spirit — meaning it grows as believers yield to the Holy Spirit. But 2 Peter 1:5–7 calls believers to 'make every effort' to add self-control to their faith. The Spirit empowers, but believers must cooperate through spiritual disciplines, accountability, and intentional practice.
Proverbs 16:32 says, 'Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.' James 1:19 commands believers to be 'slow to speak and slow to become angry.' Ephesians 4:26 permits anger but warns against letting it lead to sin — 'do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.'
Titus 2:11–12 teaches that God's grace itself teaches self-control. Practically, this grows through prayer (asking the Spirit to produce this fruit), fasting (training the body's appetites), Scripture memorization (Psalm 119:11), accountability relationships, and removing temptation from your environment (Romans 13:14).