Quotes about Temperance

Patience ornaments the woman and proves the man.

Where the happy medium cannot be attained, it is better and safer to fall short on this side than on that; that is, too much mercy is better than too much punishment. One can withdraw and reduce too much mercy; but punishment cannot be taken back, especially where it touches body, life, or limb.

They are not easily irritated or annoyed. Some people seem to be able to rise above their irritations and they are fun to be with because they are poised and even-tempered. They seem to live on an upper level emotionally and are not easily riled up. They keep in a good humor and spirit.

But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

Bind up thy words that they run not riot, and grow wanton, and gather up sins for themselves in too much talking. Let them be rather confined, and held back within their own banks. An overflowing river quickly gathers mud.

If you cannot be positive, then at least be quiet.

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.

A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.

So of cheerfulness, or a good temper, the more it is spent, the more it remains.

Extol not riches then, the toil of fools, The wise man's cumbrance, if not snare, more apt to slacken virtue, and abate her edge, Than prompt her to do aught may merit praise.

Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. (James 1:19)