Self-Control: A Biblical Virtue that's Essential for Well-Functioning Societies

The core business of religious organizations is to promote moral virtues in the society and help inculcate them in people’s lives. Self-control or temperance is one such virtue that is promoted by many religions and the books that form the basis of these religions. Christianity as a religion, though many have challenged that identity, advocates for  self-control or temperance as a virtue of utmost importance.

The Bible, the holy book of Christians, talks about self-control at many places. The book of Proverbs for instance talks about self-control being essential for wisdom and understanding. We find these teachings in Proverbs 16: 32 which says, “Better a patient person than a warrior; one with self control than one who takes a city.” self-control is seen as a virtue in itself, something that should be sought after irrespective of any material gain.

Many wars that have been fought in this world could have been avoided if self-control was possessed by each individual involved in the conflict. While a mighty warrior can bring a war to an end, the same war might have been avoided altogether if someone in the midst of the initial conflict had been patient. Also, while it may seem a great accomplishment to "take a city," the more difficult task is to take control of self.

Alexander the Great learned this the hard way. Having marched his armies for more than 2000 miles over 8 years, they finally had enough of his lack of self-control. They refused to go any further than the river Beas, a tributary of the Indus, and was forced to turn back. Many nations were saved from Alexander's ruthless march of carnage because the army this time exercised more self-control than their captain.

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that lack of self-control has an economic cost. The study found that people who are unable to control their impulses tend to make more impulsive choices that often have negative consequences. These consequences can range from smaller costs, such as spending too much money on unnecessary items, to larger costs, such as engaging in criminal behavior. The study also found that people who are able to control their impulses tend to make more rational choices that lead to positive outcomes. Thus, it is clear that self control has a significant impact on one's economic wellbeing.

Another study from Harvard titled "A Dual-Self Model of Impulse Control" found that self-control is not an innate trait, but rather, one "that can be learned and improved" through practices like mindfulness, gratitude and service. It showed that by practicing delayed gratification, developing a routine or making decisions ahead of time, most people can improve their impulse control significantly. It then argued that with regards to making public policy, the focus should be on helping people develop self-control rather than simply punishing them for their lack of it. Thus, it is clear that the national economy and the well-being of society as a whole could benefit from encouraging self-control.

Religious organizations therefore play a critical role in the society by promoting virtues such as self-control. The Christian faith advocates for this virtue through teachings found in the Bible and other books.  Through research, it has been proven that self-control can lead to improved economic and personal outcomes and that it can be learned and practiced.  In light of this, religious organizations should continue to promote self-control as a virtue of utmost importance. It is also important that organizations that strive to do this be appreciated and supported by society as they are integral to its development and wellbeing.