Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Abstinence?
6 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Abstinence in the Bible
Discover 12 powerful Bible verses about abstinence. Study what Scripture teaches about this essential life circumstances topic.
Top 6 Verses About Abstinence
- 1Genesis 39:7
“And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.”
KJV - 2Proverbs 31:30
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”
KJV - 3Romans 13:13
“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. honestly: or, decently”
KJV - 4Galatians 5:19
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,”
KJV - 5Colossians 3:5
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”
KJV - 6Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Abstinence? (2 Verses)
“And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.”
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Abstinence? (4 Verses)
“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. honestly: or, decently”
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,”
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Abstinence
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about abstinence. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about abstinence and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about abstinence is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on abstinence needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about abstinence with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about abstinence, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Abstinence?
You have studied 6 verses about abstinence. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.