1. 1 Peter 4:7 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does “be self-controlled” mean?

1 Peter 4:7 (ESV)

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

The term Peter uses catches the notion of thoughtful and prudent action. Adding up the fact of the coming judgment and the reality of living in an era in which there are no remaining hurdles to the Judge’s arrival leads to the prudent conclusion that one needs to be ready (Matthew 24:37–42; Matthew 24:46; Matthew 25:1–13). This dispensation is not the era for carelessness and irresponsibility!