“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Prov. 16:32, MEV).

Part of the Fruit of the Spirit series by Jim Linzey

Self-control, temperance, moderation, and self-restraint are all terms used to define the last of the fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

The word used in the Bible for self-control is intended to cover the whole range of human appetites, not only the physical, but the mental and spiritual as well. The power to be temperate in all things is an important Christian virtue, a mark of growth in grace. The necessary self-control cannot be attained by natural self-discipline. It is a fruit of the Spirit and is the result of His help and grace, and the outworking of His life in the believer. The possibilities are just as great for those with minimal personal strength of character as for those with strong wills of their own.

The demands for physical self-control are fairly obvious for most of us. However, often we overlook the need for mental self-control or temperance. For example, anger is a common form of intemperance of the soul: “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Prov. 16:32, MEV). Sulking day after day is as intemperate as a violent outburst. Allowing the tongue to run away with us is intemperance, regardless of whether it is uncontrolled levity, gossip, criticism, or abuse of confidences. James gives the remedy by telling us to “bridle” our tongues (James 1:26, MEV). Inordinate love of praise is intemperate and shows a lack of self-control and an unwillingness to give glory to God. Such an attitude focuses on ourselves rather than on God.