Control is a significant theme in the Bible, touching on various aspects of life, from personal self-control to God’s sovereign control over the universe. While we are often tempted to control situations and people, Scripture reminds us that true control belongs to God. He calls us to exercise self-control and to trust in His ultimate authority. Understanding biblical principles about control helps us align our lives with God’s will, leading to peace and a deeper relationship with Him. 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 reminds us that while we may make plans, it is ultimately God who directs our steps. It teaches that control over our lives belongs to God, and we should trust His guidance even when our plans don’t unfold as we expect.
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 highlights self-control as a fruit of the Spirit. This verse teaches that self-control is a key aspect of living a Spirit-led life, enabling us to live righteously and in accordance with God’s will.
3. Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
This proverb compares a person without self-control to a defenseless city. It teaches that without self-control, we are vulnerable to various forms of harm, emphasizing the importance of discipline and restraint in our lives.
4. 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 uses the metaphor of an athlete’s discipline to illustrate the value of self-control. This verse teaches that just as athletes exercise control to win a prize, we must exercise self-control in our spiritual lives to receive an eternal reward.
5. 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.”
James advises restraint in speech and anger. This verse teaches that controlling our reactions, especially anger, is crucial to living righteously and aligning with God’s desires.
6. 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.'”
God calls us to be still and recognize His sovereignty. This verse teaches that we must relinquish control and trust in God’s power and authority, understanding that He is in control of all things.
7. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Paul encourages Timothy to embrace the Spirit’s gifts, including self-discipline. This verse teaches that God empowers us with the ability to exercise control over our thoughts, actions, and emotions, fostering a life of faith and love.
8. 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 urges believers to leave justice in God’s hands. This verse teaches that we should relinquish the desire to control situations through revenge, trusting that God will administer justice in His perfect timing.
9. 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 encourages believers to give their worries to God. This verse teaches that instead of trying to control every aspect of our lives, we should trust God with our concerns, finding peace in His sovereign care.
10. 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 calls for complete trust in God’s control. It teaches that instead of relying on our limited understanding, we should submit to God’s wisdom, trusting that He will guide our steps and lead us on the right path.
11. Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Jesus advises against worrying about the future. This verse teaches that we should relinquish control over the future and focus on trusting God day by day, knowing that He will provide for our needs.
12. 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 instructs believers to control their anger. This verse teaches that controlling our emotions, particularly anger, is crucial to maintaining a righteous life and avoiding giving the enemy a foothold in our lives.
13. Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of trusting God with our plans. It teaches that when we commit our lives to God’s control and trust in His guidance, He will faithfully lead us and bring about His purposes.
14. 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 advises believers to trust in God’s timing and care. This verse teaches that we should humble ourselves and relinquish control, casting our anxieties on God, who cares for us and will lift us up at the right time.
15. 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 and trust in God’s timing. This verse teaches that while we may not see immediate results, we must trust that God is in control and that our efforts will bear fruit in His perfect timing.
16. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus invites us to find rest in Him. This verse teaches that instead of trying to control everything ourselves, we should surrender to Jesus’ guidance, trusting that His way is gentle and brings true rest for our souls.
17. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Paul acknowledges the sufficiency of God’s grace. This verse teaches that in areas where we lack control or strength, God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is revealed through our weaknesses, reminding us to rely on Him.
18. James 4:13-15
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'”
James challenges presumptuous planning. This verse teaches that we should acknowledge God’s ultimate control over our lives and plans, recognizing that our future is uncertain and in His hands.
19. 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.”
God reassures His people of His presence and support. This verse teaches that we need not fear or feel overwhelmed by the need for control, because God is with us, providing strength and support.
20. Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
This proverb highlights the value of self-control over brute strength. It teaches that true power lies in self-control and patience, rather than in dominating others or situations, emphasizing inner strength and discipline.
21. Philippians 2:13
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Paul acknowledges God’s control in our actions. This verse teaches that God is actively working within us to align our desires and actions with His will, reminding us that control over our lives ultimately belongs to Him.
22. Psalm 115:3
“Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.”
This verse speaks of God’s absolute sovereignty. It teaches that God has complete control over all things, and His actions are driven by His divine will and purpose, beyond human understanding or intervention.
23. 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 control over circumstances. This verse teaches that God orchestrates all events for the ultimate good of those who love Him, affirming our trust in His sovereign control over our lives.
24. Proverbs 19:21
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
This verse emphasizes the supremacy of God’s purposes. It teaches that while we may have many plans, it is ultimately God’s will that prevails, reminding us to align our desires with His divine purpose.
25. Job 42:2
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
Job acknowledges God’s omnipotence. This verse teaches that God’s control is absolute and that His purposes cannot be hindered, reaffirming our trust in His unassailable power and plan.
26. Isaiah 14:24
“The Lord Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.'”
God declares His sovereignty over His plans. This verse teaches that God’s control ensures that His plans and purposes will come to pass exactly as He intends, giving us confidence in His unfailing will.
27. Matthew 10:29-31
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Jesus reassures of God’s detailed care and control. This verse teaches that God’s control extends to even the smallest details of our lives, providing comfort and assurance that He values and cares for us deeply.
28. Daniel 4:35
“All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?'”
This verse speaks of God’s uncontested authority. It teaches that God’s control over the universe is absolute, and no one can question or challenge His actions, affirming His supreme power and sovereignty.
29. Lamentations 3:37
“Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it?”
This verse emphasizes that nothing happens without God’s decree. It teaches that God’s control is the ultimate authority over all events, reminding us that our words and actions are subject to His divine will.
30. John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus offers peace through His victory over the world. This verse teaches that despite the challenges and troubles we face, we can find peace in the knowledge that Jesus has ultimate control and has already overcome the world.
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