A word study in 2 Peter 1:5-11
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, “to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,” (2 Peter 1:6).
While the word is translated “temperance” in the King James Version, scholars agree it is better translated “self-control.” A definition of this word is “the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites.” A literal meaning is “one who holds himself in.”
Even though this definition is well accepted, the concept of self-control applies to all aspects of our lives, not just to our sensual side. As Christians, we must grow to the point we can “self-govern” our own lives, not giving in to the various temptations thrown into our pathway.
This kind of self-restraint or self-discipline can come only after we have increased our knowledge of what God desires, leading us to a deep, abiding, and courageous faith that we are not hesitant to share with others.