What does temperance mean according to the Bible?
According to the Bible, temperance means maintaining a balance across the whole spectrum of human activity, not merely abstaining from alcohol. It is a fruit of the Spirit that involves avoiding extremes, not flipping to the right or left, but living by the Word of God in a balanced way that is well pleasing in God's sight.
Les explains that in America temperance is often limited to the fight against alcohol and whiskey, but that is not the full biblical meaning. Real temperance goes across the whole spectrum of human activity and simply means maintaining a balance. It is not flipping to the right or the left; rather, by the basis of the Word of God, a believer maintains balance. This is well pleasing in God's sight. Les lists temperance among the nine fruits of the Spirit, and Paul says against such there is no law. No one can fault someone who is the epitome of these nine graces; such a person is to be envied.
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.