📖 Biblical Definition
The disposition of holding-back from evil — from speech, from action, from indulgence. Proverbs identifies it as a mark of wisdom: In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise (10:19); He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit (17:27). The Hebrew chasak (restrain, keep back, refrain) and Greek egkrateia (self-control, temperance) name the disposition. Restraint differs from cowardice: cowardice fails to act when action is required; restraint refuses to act when refraining is required. It is named as fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23: temperance) and as a mark of mature character (2 Pet 1:6: add to your faith... temperance). The biblical man is not driven by every appetite or impulse; he has cultivated the strength to wait, to refuse, to hold-back, to keep his own counsel until the time is right. Restraint is strength under God's direction, not weakness or hesitation.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The wise disposition of holding-back.
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The disposition that holds back from evil speech, hasty action, sinful indulgence; the brake of wisdom on the engine of impulse; especially praised in Proverbs concerning the tongue and in the Pastoral Epistles concerning leaders.
📖 Key Scripture
Proverbs 10:19 — "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise."
Proverbs 17:27 — "He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit."
1 Peter 4:7 — "But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Mocked as inhibition or repression; Proverbs honors it as wisdom.
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The age tells you to express everything; Proverbs honors the one who restrains. Not all impulses are healthy; not all words are useful; not all desires are right. The disposition to hold back is one of wisdom's chief markers — the brake the wise heart has built in.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew chasak — to withhold.
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['Hebrew', 'H2820', 'chasak', 'to restrain, withhold']
['Greek', 'G1467', 'egkrateuomai', 'to exercise self-control']
Usage
"Refrain your lips and be wise."
"Restraint is the brake of wisdom."