It is far, far more difficult to learn than reading, arithmetic, and most college classes. It can be so problematic that many (most?) never learn it well. I’ve never spoken to someone who complained of having too much of it. Lack of it ended King Solomon’s life in shame. (1 Kings 11).

Ever hear of someone destroying his life/health through lust, appetite, speech, anger, eating, drinking, or drug use? Yes, of course, and not just someone, but sadly, countless. 

Lust (2 Timothy 2:22) and anger/wrath are examples of things that simply must be said “No” to, while many things, such as eating, sleeping, pleasure, and speech we must exercise self-restraint over. “He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich” (Proverbs 21:17).

Self-control, moderation, or temperance (whatever you prefer to call it) are essential if lives are not to be in bondage. If you ask someone enslaved to food, pleasure, or entertainment, if he is pleased with his life, an honest answer would be “NO!” “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12).