Encouraging Bible Verses About Discipline and Self-Control
The start of a new day, new month, or new year can bring renewed hope that we will finally be able to make big changes. We desire to have the discipline and self-control that will transform our lives. Yet these Bible verses about discipline will guide us to make progress in Jesus, the only way true heart change is possible.
The Apostle Paul spoke of this war within himself in Romans 7:15. He wrote this referring to his sin nature. “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”
How often have we felt this way as we tried to live changed lives that glorify God? How can we practice discipline and self-control in our Christian lives?
These Bible verses about discipline are key to understanding how God can work in our lives to develop our self-control.
What does it mean to have discipline in the Bible?
In English, we often think of the noun “discipline” as self-control, and the verb “discipline” as training or correcting.
When we see discipline in the Bible, which was originally written in Hebrew and Greek, those definitions hold up most of the time in English translations when considered in context.
Sometimes when it is meant as correction, it goes further into chastisement or admonishment.
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3 Powerful Examples of Discipline in the Bible
The Bible gives us great examples of those who learned discipline from following God’s Word and exercising self-control. Let’s take a look at these three different examples of discipline in the Bible.
David Spares the King’s Life
In contrast to his indulgent actions with Bathsheba and his murderous plans with Uriah, David showed tremendous self-control in honoring God’s anointed and not killing King Saul when he had the chance.
King Saul probably would have killed David if the roles had been reversed so this shows a lot of restraint.
In 1 Samuel 24, David had the opportunity to attack Saul. Saul had excused himself into a cave to go to the bathroom, and David cut off a piece of Saul’s robe to show that he was close enough to kill the king. Even this seemed to pain David later, that he would show such disrespect to the king (vs. 5).
He told Saul that he could have attacked him but didn’t. This touched the king’s heart, and they made some sort of peace, at least for the time being.
David considered what God wanted, making a choice that wasn’t the safest or easiest one. Others probably criticized his lack of action. But David held firm against his own needs or desires, and whatever anyone else might say.
Daniel Suffers Persecution for His Beliefs
Another example of discipline in the Bible is found in the story of Daniel. While Daniel showed much self-control in not indulging in the king’s food, another notable example of self-control was publicly continuing in prayer even when it was illegal.
Palace officials jealous of Daniel knew they couldn’t get him ousted from his position of influence for corruption or wrongdoing. They resorted to making his righteousness wrong. They convinced the king that no one should pray to anyone but him.
We read in Daniel 10:10, “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”
Daniel persevered in doing the right thing in the face of great punishment. Perseverance is often needed when we need to practice discipline and self control.
Jesus Answers Temptation With Scripture
In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus fasts for 40 days in the desert, before His public ministry begins. Jesus was fully God and fully man, so it is safe to assume He was truly hungry and probably pretty tired.
Satan tempted Jesus in a variety of ways, often twisting Scripture out of context. Each time, Jesus answered correctly with God’s Word, and resisted Satan’s claims and offers.
This is yet another way we can learn from Jesus. We can demonstrate discipline and self-control by combating temptation with scripture. While Jesus knew it would get even harder for Him on earth, He showed self-control and remained sinless so that He could pay the price for our sins.
Unpack Discipline in the Bible in our Morning Devotion Series
We’ll go deeper on the two types of discipline in the Bible on our YouTube channel and chat about how embracing discipline can positively impact every area of your life.
Join the conversation over there and comment on there if you struggle with thinking about discipline in the Bible like I sometimes do!
22 Best Bible Verses about Discipline
The Bible verses about discipline that we are looking at today cover two different aspects of discipline.
First, there is the discipline we forge as we faithfully apply Biblical principles to our Christian walk. We study the Bible, continue to surrender our lives to the Lord, and practice self-control. It is not all our own striving and strength – God’s grace is still greatly needed in our lives.
Second, there is the discipline we learn as we benefit from God’s correction in our lives. How wonderful it would be if we could only learn the first way! But we are sinners who have been saved by the grace of God. We will sometimes take the more painful way of learning our lessons.
These two types of discipline compliment each other into growing us into the Christians God wants us to be. He will redeem our efforts and our experiences into helping us practice both discipline and self-control in our lives.
All Scripture quoted is from the English Standard Version translation of the Bible, unless otherwise noted.
How Training Takes Discipline and Self-Control
A notable passage about self-control and discipline in the Bible is at the start of Hebrews 12. It neatly ties together both the discipline God wants us to develop and the correction that the Lord provides in our lives.
Emphasizing perseverance through our circumstances, these Bible verses about discipline remind us to practice self-control, training for righteousness as an athlete might train for a race.
Let’s take a look at a few selections from Hebrews 12, that help set the tone for our look at Bible verses about discipline.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
The writer of Hebrews, the Apostle Paul, starts out this passage by reminding us about the “Hall of Faith” list in Hebrews 11, which highlighted the many people in the past who had followed God by faith.
Remembering that we have great examples of the faith, both in the Bible and in our present time, can be a great encouragement as we cooperate with God to work on our discipline and self-control.
He then urges believers to cast off what might hold them back from “running the race” – that is, the path that God has set before them to fulfill His will and glorify Him.
We would laugh at an athlete who steps up to the starting line pulling a wagon full of items that would slow her down. We would scoff at a football player wearing a heavy backpack, or a swimmer holding an anchor as he swims. We’d yell for them to set those things aside!
How often do we do the same as we prepare for our Christian marathon each day? We want to participate in the race, but we hold onto our cherished sins, our ungodly idols, and even our selfish preferences. We need to show the discipline and self-control that these verses describe.
We might not do this perfectly every day (or any day, honestly), but we can persevere in our training in righteousness, for a race run with integrity.
Hebrews 12:5-8
And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
The discipline of the Lord (or “chastening of the Lord”) is not something we should see as God’s disdain or hate for us. Rather, it is the opposite.
While most young children might desire to do whatever they want, they can make disastrous decisions that will harm them greatly. A loving parent will not let their baby play with fire. God, even as He gives us free will, will treat us as a loving Father and correct us when we need it.
At the time Hebrews was written, being a child born out of wedlock had grave implications for the future of a child. An “illegitimate child”, at the very least, would not be shown correction by his or her father. God does not treat us that way, but instead, disciplines us as a loving Father would.
Hebrew 12:11
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
This verse reminds us that God’s correction is worth it, yielding the “peaceable fruit of righteousness,” as the King James Version says.
Our goal in our walk with God should be to grow closer to Him and be holy. God’s correction produces righteousness in our lives.
Why We Experience God’s Discipline in Our Lives
As we study discipline in the Bible, we must consider the correction God provides in our lives.
God’s discipline can bring suffering in our lives as we painfully leave something behind that we have been wrongfully cherishing. Or we can find it unpleasant to finally start doing something that God has called us to do, especially if we have been resisting it.
There are reasons that God reproves us and disciplines us in our lives. Some of these reasons we are not going to understand during this lifetime. Other times, we will clearly see how God was working this discipline in our lives for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)
These Bible verses about discipline give us insight into why God’s discipline is necessary in our lives.
2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.
Having to set aside a beloved habit, circumstance, or relationship can be difficult. But when that thing should have never been treasured, it is the right thing to do.
It could be a habit that numbs our hearts. Maybe it started out as a way of coping through a hard time, but now it takes up too much of our lives.
It could be a place or circumstance where we know we are more likely to sin. But we like how the situation makes us feel, whether it is more powerful, loved, or important.
Or it could be a relationship with someone who draws us away from God, or is more important to us than God is. We might not need to leave the relationship, but the relationship needs to change as we put God in first place in our hearts.
This godly grief we experience as we repent, responding to the conviction of our hearts by the Holy Spirit, can be painful but it is worth it.
The Gospel changes our lives, but some of the changes along the way can still distress us as we set sinful things aside.
Proverbs 6:23
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.
Following God’s Word lights up the way we should go. If we stray from righteous paths, we need God’s correction. These “reproofs of discipline” ultimately lead to a life that God wants us to live in Him.
Accepting God’s discipline in our lives guides us toward His right path and living God’s plan for our lives.
Proverbs 3:11
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about discipline and self-control. This verse reminds us not to resent God’s correction in our lives, even in our weariness.
Loving parents do not let their young children do whatever they want. They provide boundaries that will hopefully guide them into a mature and fulfilling life. They coach them as they grow up to make good decisions that will bless their children and those around them.
If they didn’t love their children, they wouldn’t spend the time, endure the conflict, or make the effort to correct their children into more righteous choices and actions.
God loves us so much, as we see in the often-quoted John 3:16. He is the ultimate example of the perfect Father, and He will perfectly parent us. This includes correcting our path into righteousness.
He rejoices over us (Zephaniah 3:17) and will not leave us uncorrected. He will not force us into obedience. But He desires a personal relationship with us, and will use His discipline to correct us into a holier and closer relationship with Him.
Job 5:17
Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.
Job experienced great tests of his faith, as God allowed him to go through immense loss and sorrow. His friends came to sit with him and offer their point of view on why he was suffering.
His friend Eliphaz, was attempting to make sense of Job’s suffering. While he makes a true statement, reflecting some of what we learn in Proverbs 3:11, it does not reflect the truth of Job’s situation, as we learn in Job 42:7-8, when God scolds Job’s friends for their words.
However, we can learn from this that we will not always understand why we are suffering. Job says, while he was in despair, “Though he slay me, I will hope in him.” (Job 13:15a) Not every suffering is discipline for our sin; not every hard time is a reproof for our ways.
Why We Need to Embrace Discipline and Self Control
Discipline and self-control can get a bad reputation, as it might seem like the less “fun” way of life. Critics think of it as rigid schedules, some do’s and lots of don’ts, and saying “no” to life.
If that was all that discipline was, then it would not seem worth it! But discipline and self-control provide a structure for us to grow in Christ. We prepare to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2), and have to set some things aside for the sake of our godly pursuits.
Some Christians who tend to be less flexible or more legalistic may take discipline and self-control into places that God doesn’t mean for it to be. Yet other Christians who are more casual might not take self-control seriously.
Instead, we need to pray about where God wants us to develop discipline, to “see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:24)
Read these Bible verses about discipline to learn more about embracing self-control and discipline in our lives.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
“Fear of the Lord” can be a misunderstood phrase today. God loves us – why should we be afraid of Him?
Yet this phrase was commonly understood in Biblical times, where they had more people clearly above them and had to be deferential and reverent. Consequences of not showing the proper respect to a powerful person could be much more severe than most people would face today.
Yes, God loves us so much that Jesus died for our sins. But He is also so powerful that death had no power over Jesus.
This power, along with God being infinite, all-knowing, all-powerful, and many other amazing traits, should produce in us a reverence and respect that is an aspect of this “fear of the Lord.”
Because of our great respect and awe for God, we should hang on His every word, and cherish His wisdom and instruction. Obedience to His ways often require discipline and self-control, but the Lord will equip us with the strength to follow Him.
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James wrote to his fellow believers to let these trials produce a steadfastness, so much so that they would put these experiences in the “good” column of life rather than the “bad” one.
Whether trials are part of God’s correction, or circumstances that nurture our growing self-control and discipline, we can thank God for these trials of various kinds.
It can be hard to take this to heart. No one wants to go through challenges. Yet knowing that God will use them to grow our faith will make it worth it.
Romans 2:6-8
He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
We serve a loving God! But sometimes a sole focus on that love gives us a skewed view of our sinfulness and a coming judgment.
Our sincere faith in Jesus Christ saves us, yet the Lord will still look at what we have done in our lives. This passage specifically mentions “patience in well-doing,” a perseverance that seems to result from discipline and self-control. We should work towards developing these traits.
Those who do not have faith in Jesus will suffer wrath and fury in God’s judgment of them.
Proverbs 14:23
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
It’s easy in today’s culture to get caught up in “mere talk.” As we present the best of ourselves on social media, we can talk about a new diet, the best Bible reading plan, or a fitness regimen that is going to change our lives.
Yet when a friend follows up a few weeks later from something we mentioned on our Instagram story, we might even wonder what they are talking about.
It’s more than fine to talk about what we are thinking about doing. Some people process their options best that way. But when it counts, when we are speaking about things that matter to people, we need to do our best to show discipline and actually show up for the hard work.
We also need to put in the work and be faithful at the jobs that God has called us to do. This will help us grow in discipline.
What We Can Do to Develop Discipline and Self-Control
These Bible verses about discipline clearly show us that it’s important to live a holy life of discipline and self-control. But how do we do that? These passages about discipline in the Bible show us the priorities we need to have and the actions we need to take.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
If we are putting God and His righteousness first, then we are headed in the right direction.
Developing discipline takes time and practice. Most things in life don’t happen overnight. If we prioritize the kingdom of God in our lives, we will improve in discipline and self-control as time goes on.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Our hearts want to follow the Lord, but sometimes our thoughts and doubts interfere.
This verse reminds us that we are not given a spirit of fear. Instead, the Lord gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-control through the Holy Spirit.
Rather than following our fearful feelings, we can exercise self-discipline by relying on the truth of God’s Word. God is with us and will provide for us as we follow Him.
Titus 2:2-4
Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children.
As we get older, one might think it is easier to follow the Lord. And for some, their time spent in God’s Word, prayer, and service, can facilitate growth in the areas of discipline and self-control.
Yet the Apostle Paul in Titus 2 found it necessary to remind the older men and women to show self-control and discipline in their lives, especially as models to the younger generations.
Verse 6 specifically asks them to encourage the younger men to be self-controlled, and verse 7 exhorts them to be model of good works.
We are to show discipline and self-control throughout our lives, not only for our own sake in our walk with God, but for the sake of others who follow our examples.
1 Peter 5:7-9
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
The Apostle Peter is writing to a congregation to encourage them. Among those instructions are the directives to be sober-minded and watchful. We often think of sober nowadays as not drinking, or maybe even sad. This might not be the best way for us to understand this concept.
Matthew Henry’s commentary on 1 Peter 5:8 suggests being sober is “to govern both the outward and the inward man by the rules of temperance, modesty, and mortification.”
This sounds a lot like self-control. We need to be aware of our surroundings (“watchful”) and respond in godly ways.
Having self-control is one of the ways that we can stand strong against the obstacles that Satan puts in our way. We can take comfort and strength knowing that others are going through the same challenges.
2 Timothy 2:22
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
What is one way to stop ourselves from giving in to sinful temptations or evil desires? We can remove ourselves from the situation – “flee youthful passions” – and instead pursue those things that God calls us to.
1 Timothy 6:11-12 makes a similar point, urging the reader to flee evil and pursue righteousness. It’s true that we can’t literally flee all situations that require us to show self-control; but there are times where we know we are where we shouldn’t be.
It can be a lot easier to exercise self-control when we are far away from what is tempting us.
Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Living according to the flesh implies a life devoid of discipline and self-control, and leads to the destruction of our life.
However, when we live by the Holy Spirit within us, and control our desire to sin by the power the Spirit has given us, we will take part in the life that the Lord has for us, both in this earthly life and eternal life.
Proverbs 13:1
A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
Listening and following their father’s instructions is what wise children do. A father is supposed to look out for his children and offer instruction and correction where necessary. Ignoring it is usually a foolish choice.
Following the principles in this verse can be complicated by the failings of an earthly father. No one is perfect, even the best earthly dad. And some fathers are not around to give instruction or correction.
Finding godly mentors who are further along in their Christian lives and more knowledgeable in God’s Word can be a similar relationship, allowing us to experience this type of instruction and gentle correction from spiritual “parents”.
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.
As the Holy Spirit lives in us, and we follow Him, we will see more of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. We do not produce these out of our own strength but out of God’s.
Among the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. What a wonderful reminder that we aren’t just trying to muster up our own self-control! We rely on the power of God as the Holy Spirit works in our lives.
Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
This passage in Romans calls us away from living a life from our own power and our own flesh, and instead, to live a life wholly dedicated to God. Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, we allow God to renew our minds, to change our way of thinking as we draw closer to Him.
We will not do this perfectly or sometimes, even consistently. Just as an athlete, we are constantly at practice, making choices that will fuel our success at our goals. We grow in our discipline as we show up every day to present ourselves to God for His will.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Again, the illustration of an athlete reminds us that we must persevere in our self-control, with the focus of an athlete. They adhere to a strict training schedule or difficult guidelines in order that they may win a prize that won’t last.
Our goal is honoring God in our Christian walk, to grow closer to Him and share the Gospel with others. Let us use the tools of self-control and discipline to run after that prize.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
All this talk of self-control and discipline in the Bible may leave us discouraged.
We might say, “No matter how hard I try, I can’t be as disciplined as God wants me to be. I’m just not good enough.”
The answer to that, we actually aren’t good enough. We can be the most disciplined people, showing the most self-control, but it doesn’t earn us our salvation.
We have been saved by the grace of God through our faith. We follow Him, cooperating with Him to grow in self-control and discipline, because we love Him and want to serve Him.
As we surrender yet another area of our lives to the Lord, we give more control of our lives to Him and can grow in our self-control.
No matter where we are in our spiritual walk today, we can thank God for His grace and ask Him to help us follow Him.
Your Next Steps to Living Out The Bible Verses about Discipline
Growing in discipline and self-control isn’t easy. Finding ways to be equipped and supported throughout this journey is important. Here are three necessary steps to take, whether this is a new goal, or a renewed commitment.
Lay a foundation of prayer. We can’t do this on our own. Our own efforts will only go so far. Instead, we have to stay close to God through prayer. He can change our hearts if we will let Him.
Check out our prayer resources to help you cultivate a thriving prayer life, here.
Fortify it with Scripture. These Bible verses about discipline are helpful, to be sure. But get to know the whole Bible by making it a regular part of your life. Not sure where to start? Read a chapter from the book of John each day. We also have great Bible study tips that can be helpful.
Find support from other Christians. Just as an athlete can benefit from being on a team, our Christian walk can be supported by connecting with other Christians. Whether your next step is finding a church, or looking for an accountability partner, find support from other Christians and be that support for others as well.
We can use these Bible verses about discipline to encourage our progress in growing in self-control.
By the grace of God, through His Holy Spirit, He gives us the strength to demonstrate self-control and show discipline in our lives.
Let this daily prayer be an encouragement as we look to God to grow us into who He wants us to be.
Dear God,
Thank You for Your grace and mercy in our lives. We could not lift our heads without Your compassion for us!
We want to honor You with our lives, and we ask that You would grow our self-control, that we would not live by the flesh. Help us to heed Your correction, that we would glorify You more each day.
Help us to be faithful in training for righteousness, and resisting temptation.
May we bring You our praise!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
May God bless you as you grow in your walk with Him!
Are you ready to grow deep roots of faith and bloom into a godly woman who live on mission for the glory of God? Join us for the Grace & Growth: Becoming a Virtuous Woman Series.
Learn more about how to be a godly woman and grow in virtuous character, here!