Item 9 in Fruit of the Spirit
Self-control
Regulate impulses that could cause harm.
- Position
- 9
- Form
- Mixed formulation
- Obligation
- Context-dependent
- Wording status
- Translation
- Intended audience
- Christian communities
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2026
Names and terminology
Canonical name: Self-control
Source wording
Regulate impulses that could cause harm.
Broader interpretation
Regulate impulses that could cause harm.
Practical meaning
Regulate impulses that could cause harm.
Ethical purpose
This principle is intended to guide conduct, character and relationships in accordance with the parent framework.
Variations across schools or traditions
Interpretation and application may vary across communities, translations and individual circumstances.
Criticism and difficult cases
This principle should be applied with attention to evidence, consent, equality, power, foreseeable harm and realistic alternatives.
Truth By Reason analysis
Regulate impulses that could cause harm. Its ethical force depends on whether its application reduces avoidable harm and respects equal human dignity.
Ethical themes
Sources
- Galatians 5:22–23 — Fruit of the Spirit Mainstream secondary source