Control is a significant theme in the Bible, focusing on God’s sovereignty over the universe and the importance of self-control in our lives. While we often strive for control over our circumstances, the Bible teaches us to surrender our will to God, recognizing His ultimate authority. Additionally, self-control is emphasized as a fruit of the Spirit, essential for living a life that honors God. Here are 30 Bible verses about control, each with a brief commentary.
1. Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
This verse highlights the tension between human planning and divine control. It teaches that while we may make plans, it is ultimately God who guides our steps, reminding us to trust His overarching control in our lives.
2. Galatians 5:22-23
“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.”
Paul lists self-control as a fruit of the Spirit. It teaches that self-control is a crucial aspect of living a Spirit-filled life, demonstrating the importance of governing our desires and actions under God’s guidance.
3. Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
This proverb uses the imagery of a defenseless city to illustrate the importance of self-control. It teaches that without self-control, a person is vulnerable to various influences and dangers, much like a city without walls is open to attack.
4. 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.”
Paul assures believers of God’s control over temptations. It teaches that God limits the temptations we face and provides a way to overcome them, encouraging us to rely on Him for strength and self-control.
5. James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
James advises on controlling our reactions. It teaches that self-control involves managing our responses, particularly in communication and emotions, to maintain peace and righteousness in our relationships.
6. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Paul reminds Timothy of the Spirit’s gift of self-discipline. It teaches that self-control is part of the spiritual empowerment given by God, enabling us to live confidently and righteously.
7. Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
This proverb elevates self-control over physical might. It teaches that patience and self-control are more valuable than brute strength, highlighting the power and wisdom of restraint.
8. Matthew 6:27
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
Jesus questions the value of worry. It teaches that worrying is futile and that we should trust God’s control over our lives, relinquishing our anxiety and trusting in His provision and timing.
9. Titus 2:11-12
“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.”
Paul emphasizes the role of grace in teaching self-control. It teaches that God’s grace empowers us to reject sin and live self-controlled, godly lives, showing that self-control is integral to Christian living.
10. Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Paul advises against anxiety, encouraging trust in God. It teaches that instead of trying to control everything ourselves, we should bring our concerns to God, trusting in His control and experiencing His peace.
11. Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse encourages complete trust in God’s control. It teaches that by surrendering our understanding and plans to God, He will guide us faithfully, leading us along the right paths.
12. 1 Peter 5:6-7
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Peter calls believers to trust in God’s timing and care. It teaches that humility and trust in God’s control over our lives allow us to release our anxieties and rest in His care.
13. Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Paul instructs believers to leave justice to God. It teaches that seeking control over vengeance is not our role; instead, we should trust God to administer justice in His perfect timing.
14. James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James calls for submission to God’s authority. It teaches that surrendering control to God and resisting evil enables us to stand firm in faith, driving away the devil’s influence.
15. Proverbs 21:1
“In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.”
This verse illustrates God’s control over leaders. It teaches that even the hearts of kings are under God’s control, reminding us that no human authority is beyond His influence.
16. Matthew 26:39
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'”
Jesus surrenders to the Father’s will in Gethsemane. It teaches that even in the most difficult moments, we should surrender control to God’s will, trusting in His greater plan for our lives.
17. Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Paul reassures believers of God’s sovereign control. It teaches that God orchestrates all circumstances for the good of those who love Him, encouraging us to trust in His control and purpose.
18. Psalm 46:10
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'”
This verse calls for stillness and recognition of God’s sovereignty. It teaches that we should relinquish our need for control and acknowledge God’s supreme authority, trusting that He will be exalted in all things.
19. Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Paul encourages perseverance, trusting in God’s timing. It teaches that while we may not see immediate results, we should continue to do good, trusting in God’s control over the timing of our rewards.
20. Jeremiah 29:11
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
God reassures His people of His control over their future. It teaches that God’s plans for us are good, giving us hope and a future, and we should trust His control rather than our own understanding.
21. 1 Corinthians 9:25
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
Paul compares spiritual discipline to athletic training. It teaches that self-control is essential in our spiritual journey, helping us to remain focused on the eternal rewards rather than temporary desires.
22. Isaiah 55:8-9
“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'”
God speaks of His superior wisdom and control. It teaches that God’s ways and thoughts are far beyond our understanding, encouraging us to trust His control over our lives, even when we don’t understand His plans.
23. Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Paul encourages believers to let Christ’s peace control their hearts. It teaches that by allowing Christ’s peace to govern our hearts, we can live in harmony with others and maintain a thankful attitude, reflecting God’s control over our emotions.
24. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus offers His peace to His disciples. It teaches that the peace given by Christ is a powerful reminder of God’s control in our lives, calming our fears and freeing us from anxiety.
25. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Paul speaks of the strength that comes from Christ. It teaches that true strength and control over our circumstances come from reliance on Christ, who empowers us to overcome challenges and live victoriously.
26. Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Jesus speaks about the narrow and broad paths. It teaches that controlling our choices to follow the narrow path leads to life, emphasizing the importance of self-control in aligning with God’s will.
27. Psalm 121:3
“He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber.”
The psalmist speaks of God’s vigilant control. It teaches that God is constantly in control, watching over us and ensuring our safety, giving us confidence in His unceasing care.
28. Ephesians 4:26-27
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Paul advises on controlling anger. It teaches that controlling our emotions, especially anger, is crucial to avoid sin and prevent the devil from gaining influence in our lives.
29. Luke 12:25-26
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”
Jesus challenges the futility of worry. It teaches that we cannot control even the smallest aspects of our lives through worry, and therefore, we should trust in God’s control and provision.
30. Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
The psalmist encourages trust in God’s control. It teaches that by committing our lives to God and trusting in His control, we can be confident that He will bring about His perfect will in our lives.