In our daily lives, control can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, we are taught to manage our responsibilities and make wise decisions. On the other hand, the Bible reminds us that ultimate control belongs to God alone. As human beings, we often seek to control situations, people, and outcomes, especially when things feel uncertain or out of our hands. Yet, Scripture consistently calls us to recognize that true control is in God’s hands and that we must trust Him in all circumstances.
Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples and teachings about control, both in how we should exercise self-control and how we should surrender our own will to God’s sovereignty. Control over our emotions, desires, and reactions is essential for spiritual growth, while surrendering control to God fosters deeper faith and trust.
In this article, we will explore 25 key Scriptures on control, helping us understand how to live with godly wisdom and humility, acknowledging that God is the ultimate source of control. These passages offer encouragement, guidance, and wisdom in areas of self-control, surrendering to God’s will, and finding peace in His sovereignty.
25 Scriptures on Control
1. 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 Scripture teaches us that control does not come from our own understanding or effort, but from trusting and submitting to God. Our attempts to control outcomes are futile unless we surrender them to God.
2. Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Jesus encourages us not to control or worry about what the future holds. By trusting God, we are reminded that His control over all things surpasses our need to manage every detail.
3. 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 minds in Christ Jesus.”
This passage reminds us that we do not need to control everything. Instead, we are called to pray and trust God with our anxieties, and in return, He provides us with peace that guards our hearts and minds.
4. James 1:19-20
“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.”
This Scripture is a call to self-control, particularly over our emotions. It teaches us that we cannot control others, but we can control our responses, and our reactions should reflect God’s righteousness.
5. 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.”
The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control, a virtue that is essential for Christians who seek to live in obedience to God’s will. It’s a reminder that self-control is not about strict rules but about yielding to the Spirit’s work in our lives.
6. Romans 12:1-2
“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. 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.”
In this passage, Paul calls us to surrender our bodies and minds to God, relinquishing control of our desires and actions. It’s through this surrender that we are transformed and able to live in alignment with God’s will.
7. Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
This verse uses the imagery of a city with broken walls to highlight the importance of self-control. Without it, we are vulnerable to all kinds of chaos and harm.
8. 1 Corinthians 9:27
“No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Paul speaks about disciplining his body and exercising self-control so that his actions do not disqualify him from God’s calling. As believers, we must exercise control over our impulses and actions to live in a way that honors God.
9. Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, those with self-control than those who take a city.”
This verse reminds us that self-control is more powerful than physical strength or warfare. Patience and control are virtues that show true strength in the sight of God.
10. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Here, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit empowers us to have self-discipline, which is an essential part of maintaining control over our lives in accordance with God’s purposes.
11. Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
This verse speaks of the importance of surrendering control and being still before God. When we rest in His presence and acknowledge His sovereignty, we recognize that He is in control.
12. 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.”
Grace teaches us to reject worldly temptations and exercise self-control. God’s grace empowers us to live according to His will, free from the need to control everything in our lives.
13. 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.”
This passage assures us that God is in control of all circumstances. Even when things seem out of control, we can trust that God is working for our good.
14. Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.'”
To follow Jesus requires surrendering our own desires and ambitions, exercising self-control over our own will and submitting to God’s higher purpose.
15. 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 our need to control every aspect of our lives, pointing out that worrying or trying to control outcomes is futile. Trusting God is a better way to live.
16. 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.”
This verse teaches us to humble ourselves and give God control over our anxieties, knowing that He cares for us and will lift us up at the right time.
17. Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
In moments when we feel out of control, God reassures us of His presence and His ability to strengthen and uphold us. His control is perfect, and we can trust Him fully.
18. Hebrews 12:1-2
“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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
To exercise control, we must throw off distractions and sin that hinder us. By focusing on Jesus, we learn to submit our control to Him and follow His example.
19. 1 John 2:16
“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.”
This verse reminds us that the world encourages us to seek control through our desires and pride. True control, however, comes from God, who calls us to resist these temptations.
20. Romans 6:12-13
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life.”
We are called to control our bodies and actions, not allowing sin to control us. Instead, we offer ourselves to God, recognizing His ultimate authority.
21. Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Our hearts must be controlled because they influence everything else in our lives. By guarding our hearts, we ensure that we live in alignment with God’s will.
22. Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
Patience and trust are central to controlling our desires for instant results. Waiting on the Lord allows Him to be in control of all circumstances.
23. Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Control in relationships is exercised through humility, gentleness, and patience. When we submit to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we foster peace and unity.
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 us peace that transcends worldly control. When we trust in Him, we can experience peace even in situations beyond our control.
25. 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.”
God provides the strength to control temptation, ensuring that we are never overwhelmed. We can trust in His ability to help us resist and endure.
Conclusion
The Scriptures on control teach us that while we can exercise self-control in many areas of our lives, we must ultimately surrender our need for control to God. By trusting in His sovereignty, we find peace and rest, knowing that He is in control of all things. As we live with self-discipline and humility, we can rely on God’s strength and wisdom to guide us in all things.
May these Scriptures inspire us to submit our will to God’s, exercise control over our actions and emotions, and trust that He is working in and through us for His glory and our good.
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