Temperance is a concept deeply ingrained in the teachings of the Bible, underscoring principles of moderation, self-control, and discipline. This virtue is viewed as key to leading a spiritually satisfying and morally upright life, closely linked to the embodiment of other virtues such as kindness, humility, and patience. The Bible includes numerous references to temperance, illustrating its importance through several passages spread across both the Old and New Testaments.
What Does Temperance Mean in a Biblical Context?
In the Bible, temperance is not just about refraining from excess or restraining one’s desires. Rather, it’s about fully understanding and embracing the power of self-control. It involves taking charge of one’s actions, speech, and thoughts, managing them in a way that aligns with godly wisdom and integrity. This kind of mature self-management requires individuals to resist temptations, avoid indulgence in sinful activities, and adhere to principles that promote spiritual growth and lead to a life that pleases God.
Why Is Temperance Important According to The Bible?
The Bible emphasizes temperance as a key element of spiritual maturity and growth. It encourages believers to exercise this virtue in their daily lives, guiding them towards moral soundness, ethical strength, and inner peace. The practice of temperance, as advocated by the Bible, paves the way for virtuous living and creates a strong foundation for understanding and implementing other godly principles. It promotes personal responsibility, mastery over one’s desires, and a deeper understanding of spiritual truths, all of which are crucial in leading a fulfilled and harmonious life.
How Is Temperance Referenced in The Bible?
Temperance is referenced throughout the Bible, often in connection with virtuous behavior, spiritual maturity, and self-control. In the New Testament, for instance, temperance is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit. This signifies that practicing restraint and managing one’s passions are indicators of the Holy Spirit’s presence within an individual. Temperance is also often associated with wisdom, demonstrating that self-control and conscious avoidance of excess can lead to a deeper understanding of God’s wisdom and guidance.
When Does The Bible Encourage Temperance?
The Bible encourages temperance at all times – it is not a virtue to be exercised in select circumstances or at particular times. Instead, the Bible urges believers to practice temperance consistently, irrespective of external influences or challenges. This practice is suggested in various contexts, whether it is in speech, behavior, or thought. The overall message is clear: with the practice of temperance, individuals can make decisions that reflect godliness, leaving no room for immoral or impure thoughts, actions, or words.
Who Demonstrates Temperance in The Bible?
The Bible features several characters who demonstrate temperance, offering lessons on the blessings that come with practicing this virtue. Characters like Joseph, Daniel, and Paul showcase the essence of temperance by displaying self-control in the face of adversity, remaining faithful to their principles, and aligning their actions with God’s guidance. These characters provide powerful examples of how temperance can empower individuals to face challenges with courage, maintain dignity in difficult circumstances, and lead exemplary lives that reflect the love and wisdom of God.
Below is the full list of bible verses on temperance (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Temperance
Galatians 5:23
“23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Related Themes: Self-Control Indulgence Self Discipline Lust
1 Corinthians 9:27
“27 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.”
Related Themes: Lust Self-Control Discipline Self Discipline Indulgence
Titus 2:12
“12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
Related Themes: Lust Self-Control Reverence Self Discipline Purity
2 Peter 1:6
“6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;”
Related Themes: Patience Perseverance Indulgence
Galatians 5:22-25
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Arguing Criticism Self-Control Strangers
Proverbs 25:16
“16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.”
Related Themes: Gluttony Health Food Moderation
Romans 12:1-2
“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
1 Corinthians 9:25
“25 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.”
Related Themes: Self-Control Self Discipline Indulgence Moderation Concentration
Romans 13:14
“14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
Related Themes: Lust Purity Addiction Gluttony Indulgence
1 Peter 5:8
“8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
Related Themes: Lust Business Addiction Satan Self-Control
Proverbs 23:1-3
“1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.”
Related Themes: Money Reputation Lust Gluttony Manners
Titus 1:8
“8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;”
Related Themes: Strangers Self-Control Hospitality Discipline Indulgence
Philippians 4:13
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Strength Omnipotence Self Confidence Life Greatness
Galatians 5:16
“16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
Related Themes: Lust Sin Holy Spirit Indulgence
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
Related Themes: Holiness Holy Spirit Omnipresence Gluttony Holy Spirit
Titus 2:2
“2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.”
Related Themes: Gossip Patience Lust Self-Control Reverence
Romans 5:3-6
“3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”
Related Themes: Suffering Perseverance Patience Hope
Galatians 5:22-23
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Arguing Criticism Self-Control Strangers
Ephesians 5:18
“18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Health Indulgence Drugs Self-Control
Proverbs 25:28
“28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”
Related Themes: Self-Control Self Discipline Discipline Emotions Anger
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
“9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
Related Themes: Lust Abomination Lust Abomination
1 Timothy 3:3
“3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;”
Related Themes: Lust Bitterness Violence Strife
Galatians 5:22
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Arguing Criticism Self-Control Strangers
2 Peter 1:5
“5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;”
Related Themes: Self-Control Frustration Dating Perseverance Morality
2 Timothy 1:7
“7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Related Themes: Fear Self Confidence Business Bullying Self-Control
Philippians 4:5
“5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
Related Themes: Reputation Indulgence Gentleness Gluttony Moderation
1 Timothy 3:2
“2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;”
Related Themes: Strangers Reputation Arguing Reputation Marriage
Titus 1:7
“7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;”
Related Themes: Stewardship Greed Bitterness Integrity Anger
Titus 2:3
“3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;”
1 Thessalonians 5:21
“21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
Related Themes: Discernment Perseverance Lust Media
