English translations of Scripture reflect the fact that the words “self-control” and “self-discipline” are often interchangeable. The Bible, however, gives a slight nuance to each of these terms. They are from the same family of spiritual fruit but of a different variety. Self-control means to restrain, hold back, or suppress (1 Cor. 7:5, 9; 9:25; 1 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 1:6). For instance, Proverbs applauds the virtuous man or woman who holds back with his or her tongue (Prov. 29:11). On the other hand, self-discipline refers to the intentional, purposeful managing and determining of what we say
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