22 But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

5 For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises], make every effort in [exercising] your faith to *develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit].

11 For the [remarkable, undeserved] grace of God that *brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to reject ungodliness and worldly (immoral) desires, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives [with a purpose that reflects spiritual maturity] in this present age,

7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

27 But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service].

25 Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a *crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither].

13 No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].

32 He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier],

And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city.

28 Like a city that is broken down and without walls [leaving it unprotected]

Is a man who has no self-control over his spirit [and sets himself up for trouble]. [Prov 16:32]

11 A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger,

But a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back.

27 Do not turn away to the right nor to the left [where evil may lurk];

Turn your foot from [the path of] evil.

16 The [arrogant] fool’s anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense],

But a prudent man ignores an insult.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. [Matt 12:37]

2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be *transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

19 Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving];

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.

6 So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise].

1 "I have made a covenant (agreement) with my eyes;

How then could I gaze [lustfully] at a virgin?

8 Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have accomplished together, but that you may receive a full and perfect reward [when He grants rewards to faithful believers].