The holding back of actions, emotions or forces, whether one's own or another's. God holds back the power and extent of evil in the world and restrains his anger. Believers are to show similar self-control in life, especially in speech.
Restraint as the holding back of actions
The example of Jesus Christ
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
Other examples
See also Exodus 36:6 God restrains the Israelites; 1 Samuel 3:13 Eli's failure to restrain his sons1 Samuel 24:1–22, 1 Samuel 26:1–25 1 Kings 1:6 David's failure to restrain Adonijah; Esther 5:10 Haman's self-restraint; Jeremiah 14:10 Judah's lack of restraint; 2 Peter 2:16 Balaam's donkey
Restraint as the holding back of emotions
Jesus Christ's silence under suffering
1 Peter 2:21–23 See also Matthew 26:62–63 parallel Mark 14:60–61; Matthew 27:12–14 parallel Mark 15:4–5
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
Restraint as the holding back of forces
God and the Red Sea
Exodus 14:21 See also Exodus 15:8; Psalm 78:13
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided,
Jesus Christ and the wind and the waves
Matthew 8:23–27 parallels Mark 4:36–41, Luke 8:22–25
God restrains the power of evil
In the world
Mark 13:20 parallel Matthew 24:22 See also 2 Kings 19:28; Psalm 76:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:6–7; Revelation 20:2
If the Lord had not cut short those days, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom He has chosen, He has cut them short.
From the righteous
John 17:15 See also 1 Samuel 25:39; 1 Chronicles 4:10; Psalm 19:13, Psalm 34:7, Psalm 141:3; Matthew 6:13 parallel Luke 11:4; Revelation 7:3
I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.
God restrains his anger
Psalm 78:38 See also Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 74:11, Psalm 86:15, Psalm 103:8, Psalm 145:8; Isaiah 48:9; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; 2 Peter 3:9
And yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often restrained His anger and did not unleash His full wrath.
Believers are to show restraint
In their speech
Psalm 141:3; James 1:26 See also Psalm 39:1; Proverbs 13:3, Proverbs 21:23; James 3:2–12; 1 Peter 3:10; Psalm 34:13
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
In their actions
Psalm 32:9 See also Romans 6:12
Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.