Many of us seek control in life, yet the Bible teaches us to trust in God’s plan. Today, we’ll discuss what Scripture says about control, surrender, and finding peace in God’s guidance.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Gifts
What Does The Bible Say About Control
Genesis 1:26-28
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
This verse teaches us that God created humans in His image and gave them dominion over the earth and everything in it. It reminds us that God has given us the responsibility to exercise control and stewardship over His creation, with the understanding that we are accountable to Him for our actions.
It also implies that our control should be exercised in a way that reflects God’s character and purposes, with wisdom, compassion, and care for His creation.
Proverbs 16:32
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
This verse highlights the importance of self-control. It teaches us that true strength lies not in conquering others or external circumstances, but in mastering our own emotions and desires.
By ruling over our spirit and responding with patience and self-restraint, we demonstrate maturity and wisdom. Our ability to control our emotions and reactions has a greater impact on our character and relationships than any external victory or conquest.
Proverbs 25:28
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
This verse uses the analogy of a city without walls to illustrate the consequences of lacking self-control. Just as a city without defenses is vulnerable to attacks and chaos, a person without self-control is vulnerable to the destructive influences of their own impulses and temptations.
Self-control serves as a protective barrier, guarding our hearts and minds against behaviors and attitudes that can lead to harm and regret. It is an essential trait for maintaining order and stability in our lives.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of exercising control over our choices and behaviors. While we may have freedom or permission to engage in various activities, not all of them are beneficial or edifying.
We are called to be vigilant and discerning, making wise decisions that align with God’s principles and promote our spiritual growth. We must avoid allowing any aspect of our lives to have dominion over us, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.”
This verse highlights self-control as one of the characteristics that the Holy Spirit produces in the lives of believers. It is an essential aspect of spiritual growth and reflects the transformation that occurs when we yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in us.
Through self-control, we are enabled to govern our thoughts, words, and actions in alignment with God’s will, allowing His love and grace to guide and shape our lives.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
This verse reminds us that as Christians, we have been given a spirit of power, love, and sound mind through the Holy Spirit. It assures us that we have the ability and resources to exercise control over our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Instead of being controlled by fear, we can rely on the power of God’s Spirit to enable us to make wise and courageous choices, anchored in His love and guided by a sound and disciplined mind.
Titus 2:11-12
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”
This verse emphasizes how the grace of God enables and empowers us to live self-controlled and godly lives. It reminds us that as recipients of God’s grace, we are called to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.
Through the transforming power of God’s grace, we are equipped to resist the allure of sin and live in a manner that reflects His righteousness and glory.
1 Peter 1:13
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
This verse encourages believers to prepare their minds for action and to be sober-minded. It speaks to the need for mental discipline and control, particularly in our thought life and attitudes.
By setting our hope fully on the grace that Jesus brings, we can anchor our thoughts and emotions in the truth of His promises, keeping our minds focused on Him and His eternal purposes.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
This verse assures us that God, in His faithfulness, will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. It points to His provision of a way out when we face temptation, enabling us to exercise self-control and make choices that honor Him.
Through reliance on God’s strength and guidance, we can resist temptation and exercise control over our actions and desires, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
Ephesians 4:26-27
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”
This verse acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion but cautions against allowing it to lead us into sin. It instructs us to exercise control over our anger, not giving the devil a foothold in our hearts and relationships.
By addressing our anger promptly, seeking resolution and forgiveness, we can prevent it from festering and causing further harm. Practicing self-control in the midst of anger promotes reconciliation and preserves the unity of the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 14:32
“And the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.”
This verse recognizes the importance of self-control even within the context of spiritual gifts like prophecy. It emphasizes that those who exercise such gifts are responsible for maintaining control over their spirits and actions.
This reminder serves to maintain order and reverence within the church and ensures that the exercise of spiritual gifts is done in a manner that aligns with God’s character and purposes.
James 1:19-20
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
This verse encourages us to exercise control over our speech and emotions. It teaches us the importance of being good listeners, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
By practicing these virtues, we create an atmosphere of understanding, promote healthy communication, and avoid conflict. It is a practical reminder that our words and reactions have the power to either build up or tear down.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”
This verse calls believers to exercise control over their sinful desires and inclinations. It reminds us that, through the power of Christ, we have the ability to put to death the deeds of the flesh and live in accordance with God’s commandments.
By submitting our desires to the lordship of Christ and relying on the Holy Spirit’s strength, we can overcome sinful behaviors and pursue a life that glorifies God.
1 Thessalonians 5:6
“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.”
This verse encourages believers to be spiritually alert and sober-minded. It speaks to the need for vigilance and self-control, particularly in relation to our spiritual life.
By staying awake and attentive to our spiritual well-being, we can resist the temptations of complacency and apathy, remaining committed to growing in our relationship with God and fulfilling His purposes for our lives.
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
This verse highlights the wisdom and understanding that come from exercising self-control, particularly in the area of anger. It contrasts the character of someone who is slow to anger with someone who is quick-tempered.
By practicing self-control, particularly in managing our emotions, we demonstrate wisdom and insight, avoiding the pitfalls of rash and impulsive behavior.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.”
This verse cautions against forming close relationships with those who struggle with anger management. It underscores the influence that such individuals can have on our own behavior and character.
By exercising control over our choice of companions and influences, we safeguard ourselves from being led into patterns of anger and sustain the pursuit of peace and righteousness.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
This verse calls believers to exercise control over their speech and to use their words wisely and graciously. It reminds us that our speech should reflect the character of Christ and be a source of encouragement and edification to others.
By being mindful of our words and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can respond to others with love and wisdom, effectively sharing the hope and truth of the gospel.
Proverbs 16:23
“The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.”
This verse highlights the connection between wisdom and self-control in our speech. It suggests that a wise person exercises discernment and prudence in their choice of words, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively.
By cultivating a heart that seeks wisdom and submitting to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can speak in a manner that demonstrates the fruit of self-control, influencing others for good and reflecting God’s wisdom.
James 3:2
“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”
This verse acknowledges that, as humans, we all have moments of weakness and struggle with self-control. It recognizes the power of our words and their potential impact on our thoughts and actions.
By exercising control over our speech, we demonstrate maturity and the ability to govern other areas of our lives. It challenges us to strive for perfection in Christ, seeking His help to bridle our words and thereby gain mastery over our entire being.
Galatians 5:16-17
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
This verse emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in helping believers exercise control over their sinful desires and impulses. It underscores the ongoing battle between our fleshly desires and the guidance of the Spirit.
By submitting to the leading of the Holy Spirit and leaning on His power, we can resist the temptations of the flesh and live in a manner that aligns with God’s will, bringing glory to His name.
Proverbs 25:15
“With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.”
This verse highlights the value of self-control in our interactions with others. It recognizes that patience and a gentle demeanor have the power to influence and persuade others in a way that force or aggression cannot.
By exercising self-control in our speech and actions, we can foster healthy relationships, resolve conflicts, and bring about positive change, reflecting God’s love and wisdom.
Proverbs 16:9
“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”
This verse acknowledges the tension between our desire for control and our dependence on God’s sovereignty. It reminds us that while we can make plans and exercise self-control, ultimately, it is the Lord who determines and directs our steps.
By recognizing and submitting to God’s authority, we can surrender our need for control and trust in His perfect plan, walking in obedience and aligning our desires with His will.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
This verse expresses a prayer for God’s help in exercising control over our speech. It recognizes the potential harm and consequences that can result from unguarded words.
By inviting God to set a guard over our mouth and seeking His guidance in our communication, we can avoid unnecessary conflict, promote understanding, and honor Him in our interactions.