James 3; refer in this text to Alma 39:5-6
“What is a bridle for? To kill, to diminish, or even to limit the spirit and power of the steed? Never. Once you have trained your pony you can direct him with the merest nudge. Eventually you can ‘give him his head’ and ride free, bareback like the wind. We are given our bodies and our emotions not to destroy but to ride. The bridle warns you that to get excited without listening to the voice of the Spirit (the rider) will bring a complaint, “Hey wait for me!” When the body is susceptible to the Spirit, it can always catch up to the Spirit. But I defy anyone to get the Spirit in harmony with the runaway body.” (Truman G. Madsen, Four Essays on Love, p. 36)
“It is the habit of self denial which gives the advantage to men we call self-made… If he is successful in any way in life he has learned to resist. He has learned to say no at the right time and then to stand by it. Life is such that he cannot escape temptation but as he faces it and masters it, he learns the true way to righteousness.” (Alvin R. Dyer, The Challenge, pp. 159-160)
“The world needs self-discipline. You can find it in fasting and prayer. Our generation is sick for lack of self-control. Fasting and prayer help to instill this virtue.” (Robert L. Simpson, Conference Report, Oct. 1967, pp. 18-19)
“The notion that you can endanger your physical and mental health by letting strong passions go unsatisfied is a vicious falsehood. Self-control is one mark of a mature person; it applies to control of language, physical treatment of others, and the appetites of the body.” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Mar. 1993, p. 71)
“Patience is another form of self-control. It is the ability to postpone gratification and to bridle one’s passions. In his relationships with loved ones, a patient man does not engage in impetuous behavior that he will later regret. Patience is composure under stress. A patient man is understanding of others’ faults. A patient man also waits on the Lord. We sometimes read or hear of people who seek a blessing from the Lord, then grow impatient when it does not come swiftly. Part of the divine nature is to trust in the Lord enough to ‘be still and know that [He is] God’ (D&C 101:16). A priesthood holder who is patient will be tolerant of the mistakes and failings of his loved ones. Because he loves them, he will not find fault nor criticize nor blame.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 47)