TAILOR MADE AND TIMELESS VALUES

SELF-CONTROL

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "A stupid person gives vent to all his feelings, but the wise one calmly keeps them in check." -Proverbs 29:11.

THE BENEFITS: If you were to list all the benefits  of self-control, you would need reams of paper! At the very least, this quality protects our physical health.  "A calm heart gives life [or, "health,"] to the body," the Bible says.  It also states that "a joyful heart is good medicine." (Proverbs 14:30; 17:22) Conversely, studies show that people who are prone to anger and hostility increase their  risk of ill health, especially cardiovascular disease. Of course, the benefits of self-control go far beyond physical health.

Cassius, now in his 30's, recalls:  "I was quarrelsome and hot-tempered, and I often picked fights. I had very little self-respect.  But all that changed when I began to apply Bible principles.  I learned to control my temper and to cultivate humility and a forgiving spirit. Otherwise I might have ended up in prison. Indeed, I feel as though I have been raised from the dead!"

Next time: TAILOR MADE AND TIMELESS VALUES - FIDELITY

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2015