160 Bible Verses about Discipline

Explore this guide on the transformative power of being organized, well-regulated, and having self-control highlighted by these 160 bible verses about discipline. From the nurturing advice in Proverbs to the strict warnings in Hebrews, the Scriptures demonstrate how discipline molds our character and bolsters our faith, steering us towards righteousness. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or deeper understanding, these verses offer wisdom and comfort. Join us on this journey to discover how discipline enhances our spiritual connection and revitalizes our lives.

God’s Discipline

Hebrews 12:6 – “Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
Proverbs 3:11-12 – “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
Revelation 3:19 – “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.”
Deuteronomy 8:5 – “Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.”
Job 5:17 – “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”
Proverbs 29:15 – “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.”
1 Corinthians 11:32 – “Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.”
Proverbs 12:1 – “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
Psalm 94:12 – “Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law;”
Proverbs 13:24 – “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

Self-Discipline

1 Corinthians 9:27 – “No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Titus 1:8 – “Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”
Proverbs 29:11 – “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
1 Peter 1:13 – “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
2 Peter 1:5-6 – “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness.”
Proverbs 25:28 – “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,”
Proverbs 16:32 – “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
1 Thessalonians 5:6 – “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.“

Discipline in Wisdom

Proverbs 1:2-3 – “For gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair.”
Proverbs 6:23 – “For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life.”
Proverbs 10:17 – “Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”
Proverbs 15:32 – “Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.”
Proverbs 19:20 – “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
Proverbs 22:15 – “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.”
Proverbs 23:13-14 – “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. Punish them with the rod and save them from death.”
Ecclesiastes 7:5 – “It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools.”
Proverbs 5:23 – “For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.”
Proverbs 12:11 – “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”

Discipline and Correction

Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
Proverbs 27:5 – “Open rebuke is better than hidden love.”
Proverbs 28:23 – “Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.”
Proverbs 13:1 – “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.”
Proverbs 17:10 – “A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.”
Proverbs 20:30 – “Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.”
Proverbs 21:23 – “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
Proverbs 29:1 – “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.”
Proverbs 29:19 – “Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond.”
Proverbs 31:8-9 – “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Parental Discipline

Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Proverbs 22:6 – “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 29:17 – “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.”
Proverbs 23:24 – “The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.”
Colossians 3:21 – “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Proverbs 19:18 – “Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9 – “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Proverbs 13:22 – “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
Proverbs 17:6 – “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”

The Reward of Discipline

Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Proverbs 24:3-4 – “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
Hebrews 12:11 – “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Proverbs 13:18 – “Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored.”
Psalm 119:71 – “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”
Proverbs 4:13 – “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”
Proverbs 15:5 – “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
1 Peter 4:7 – “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
Proverbs 21:11 – “When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The Nature of Wisdom in Discipline

Proverbs 2:2-6 – “Turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Proverbs 9:9 – “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”
Proverbs 18:15 – “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Proverbs 1:5 – “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
Proverbs 15:33 – “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”
Proverbs 16:20 – “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.”
Proverbs 19:27 – “Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.”
Proverbs 24:5 – “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength.”
James 3:13 – “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”

Correcting Others with Discipline and Love

Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
Ephesians 4:15 – “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
2 Timothy 2:24-25 – “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
Proverbs 27:6 – “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Matthew 18:15-16 – “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’”
Leviticus 19:17 – “Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.”
Proverbs 25:12 – “Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.”
Luke 17:3 – “So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.”
1 Timothy 4:7-8 – “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14 – “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

Endurance Through Discipline

James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Hebrews 10:36 – “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
Romans 5:3-4 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
2 Thessalonians 3:13 – “And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.”
1 Peter 4:12-13 – “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Hebrews 12:7 – “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?”
James 5:11 – “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

The Purpose of Trials and Learning Discipline

1 Peter 1:6-7 – “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
James 1:12 – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
1 Peter 5:10 – “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Hebrews 12:10-11 – “They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
Philippians 1:29 – “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.”

Guidance Through God’s Word and Discipline

Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Proverbs 19:11 – “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
Joshua 1:8 – “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Psalm 19:7-8 – “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Proverbs 6:22-23 – “When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life.”
Psalm 119:9 – “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
Psalm 119:130 – “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
Proverbs 4:20-22 – “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”
Psalm 119:28 – “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”

The Fruit of Righteousness and Being Discipline

Philippians 1:11 – “Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”
Proverbs 12:16 – “Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.”
James 3:18 – “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
Proverbs 11:30 – “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.”
Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
2 Timothy 2:22 – “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Romans 6:13 – “Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.”
Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Proverbs 21:21 – “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.”
Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Living a Disciplined Life in Faith

Galatians 5:16-17 – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
Titus 2:11-14 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
1 Peter 1:13-16 – “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
2 Peter 3:14 – “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”
1 Corinthians 9:25-27 – “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Philippians 2:12-13 – “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Colossians 3:5-10 – “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Romans 13:12-14 – “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Hebrews 12:14 – “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

The Power of God’s Teaching in Discipline

John 14:26 – “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Proverbs 3:1-2 – “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”
John 16:13 – “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 – “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Psalm 143:10 – “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
Proverbs 12:1 – “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
Ezekiel 36:27 – “And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
Philippians 4:9 – “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Moral Integrity and Discipline

Proverbs 11:3 – “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
Proverbs 20:7 – “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
1 Timothy 4:12 – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Proverbs 10:9 – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
Proverbs 28:6 – “Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.”
Psalm 25:21 – “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.”
Proverbs 19:1 – “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”
Titus 2:7-8 – “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
1 Peter 3:16 – “Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
Philippians 2:14-15 – “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

Community and Discipline

Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
James 5:16 – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Acts 2:42-47 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Romans 15:1-2 – “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”
Ephesians 4:2-3 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
1 Peter 4:8-10 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Conclusion

Through these 160 Bible verses about discipline, we discover that discipline is more about nurturing growth and less about punishment. These Scriptures provide valuable lessons and comfort, showing us how discipline can enrich our lives, strengthen our faith, and guide us through life’s challenges. Let this wisdom inspire and steer you as you pursue your journey of personal and spiritual growth!

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