What Does It Mean to Have Self-Control?

The New Testament term translated self-control appears in contexts of character, leadership, witness, and disciplined endurance. Meaning comes from each setting, not a dictionary entry alone.

Galatians places self-control among the Spirit's fruit. It is therefore not a boast about personal strength but evidence of a life being formed by God.

Proverbs and Paul's athletic imagery encourage habits and restraint. Christian discipline should produce love and faithfulness, not superiority over people who struggle differently.