Control is often sought but elusive, except when surrendered to God’s sovereignty. Here are verses that challenge us to relinquish control, trusting in God’s wisdom and providence in all aspects of our lives.
Bible Verses About Control
Proverbs 25:28 – A person without self-control is vulnerable
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
Galatians 5:22-23 – Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit
“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.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Discipline is key to running the race of faith
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 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.”
Philippians 4:13 – Strength comes from Christ
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
2 Timothy 1:7 – God gives us power and self-discipline
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
James 1:19-20 – Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Proverbs 16:32 – Patience is a mark of true strength
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
Romans 12:2 – Transform your mind to know God’s will
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Ecclesiastes 7:8 – The end of a matter is better than its beginning
“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.”
1 Peter 5:8 – Be self-controlled and alert
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Titus 2:11-12 – God’s grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness
“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.”
Proverbs 14:29 – Patience leads to understanding
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
Hebrews 12:1 – Run the race with perseverance
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Matthew 5:5 – The meek will inherit the earth
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Proverbs 29:11 – A wise person controls their anger
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
Proverbs 30:32 – If you have acted foolishly, control your tongue
“If you played the fool and exalted yourself, or if you planned evil, clap your hand over your mouth!”
1 Corinthians 10:13 – Temptation is common, but we are not abandoned
“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.”
1 Thessalonians 5:6 – Be alert and sober
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
Romans 8:5-6 – Set your mind on the Spirit
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Colossians 3:2 – Set your mind on things above
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Isaiah 26:3 – Perfect peace for those who trust in God
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Ephesians 4:26-27 – Control your anger
“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.”
Proverbs 3:21-23 – Keep sound judgment and discretion
“My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.”
Matthew 7:1-2 – Be cautious in judgment
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Philippians 2:14-15 – Do everything without grumbling
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”
Romans 12:1 – Offer your body as a living sacrifice
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Proverbs 12:16 – An astute person controls their temper
“Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.”
Matthew 12:36-37 – We will be held accountable for our words
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
1 John 2:15-16 – Love not the world
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Roots
What Does the Bible Say About Control
When we explore the concept of control in the Bible, a central theme emerges: the sovereignty of God. From the first pages of Genesis to the final chapter of Revelation, we witness divine control over the universe and human affairs. This prevailing thought can sometimes be a source of comfort and, at other times, a profound challenge to our understanding of autonomy and free will.
In our human experience, we often seek to exert control over our lives, decisions, and environments. However, scripture reminds us that ultimate control rests with God. For instance, the book of Proverbs frequently highlights the futility of human plans when contrasted against the divine will. We are reminded that while we may strategize and outline our goals, it is ultimately God who directs our steps.
The story of Job offers a compelling narrative on control and trust. Job’s life, filled with prosperity, is turned upside down through no fault of his own. We see Job wrestle with his lack of control over his circumstances, ultimately recognizing that God’s wisdom and governance are beyond human comprehension. His experience underscores a crucial lesson: that relinquishing our desire for control and trusting in God’s sovereignty can lead to greater faith and understanding.
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches us to surrender our worries and need for control to God. The Sermon on the Mount addresses the anxiety that often accompanies our attempts to control every aspect of our lives. Jesus encourages us to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, assuring us that our needs will be met. This teaching challenges us: can we release our tight grip on the reigns and place our trust in a higher power?
Furthermore, the apostle Paul’s letters frequently echo this sentiment. His own life, replete with hardships, imprisonment, and challenges, is a testament to living under divine control. Paul speaks of contentment in all circumstances, embracing the idea that his life is under the direction of God’s perfect plan. Whether in times of abundance or scarcity, Paul’s trust in divine control remains steadfast.
As we reflect on control, it’s essential to recognize the balance the Bible provides. While God’s sovereignty is paramount, we are also endowed with free will and responsibility. We are called to make choices that align with God’s will and to exercise our agency in a manner that reflects our trust in divine wisdom. Our lives become a partnership where we act with intention and purpose, yet remain open to God’s guidance and corrections.
In sum, the Bible teaches us to recognize the limits of our control and to trust in God’s overarching plan. Whether through the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, the teachings of Jesus, or the epistles of Paul, we find a consistent call to yield our lives to God’s sovereign control while responsibly stewarding the choices and opportunities we are given. This balance between divine control and human responsibility offers a pathway to peace and purpose in the sometimes chaotic journey of life.