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What the Bible Says About Temperance

Overview

The Bible addresses temperance across 29 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Daniel, Titus and Proverbs. Closely related themes include Self-Denial, Commandments, Sobriety and Abed-Nego. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Daniel and Jesus.

Key Bible verses about temperance

Old Testament

Daniel

Daniel 1:8

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Daniel 1:12

Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. pulse: Heb. of pulse to eat: Heb. that we may eat, etc

Daniel 1:13

Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.

Daniel 1:14

So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

Daniel 1:15

And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.

Daniel 1:16

Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.

New Testament

People in the Bible and temperance

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

Studying temperance for yourself

  • Begin with Esther 1:7, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Daniel, Titus and Proverbs each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Daniel and Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Self-Denial, Commandments, Sobriety and Abed-Nego.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about temperance?

The Bible addresses temperance across 29 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Daniel, Titus and Proverbs. Closely related themes include Self-Denial, Commandments, Sobriety and Abed-Nego. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Daniel and Jesus.

How many Bible verses are about temperance?

The Bible references temperance in 29 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention temperance?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Esther 1:7: “And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king. royal: Heb. wine of the kingdom state: Heb. hand”

Which people in the Bible are associated with temperance?

Daniel and Jesus.

Preach & teach

Outline a sermon or build a study series on temperance.

Preach a series on Temperance