Understanding Your Temperament Biblically

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TEMPERAMENT BIBLICALLY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 139:14

Key Verse: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” — Psalm 139:14

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:6; Galatians 5:22–23; Proverbs 20:5

INTRODUCTION:

Every individual is uniquely crafted by God with distinct traits known as temperaments. These natural dispositions influence how we think, communicate, feel, respond, and relate to others. Temperament is not accidental; it is a divine imprint that reflects God’s creativity and intent for our lives. Understanding your temperament helps you recognise how God wired you for purpose.

However, no temperament is perfect. Each comes with strengths that can bless others and weaknesses that can hinder growth. This is why Scripture emphasises the need for the Holy Spirit to shape our personalities, refine our tendencies, and produce Christlike character within us. As we understand ourselves better, we become more effective in relationships, ministry, and destiny fulfilment.

The Bible is filled with men and women whose temperaments God used to accomplish great things. Many had mixed traits, showing us that God is not limited by personality. Instead, He transforms, balances, and empowers us to become vessels of honour. Understanding your temperament is therefore a pathway to self-awareness, spiritual growth, and effective living.

1. THE FOUR TEMPERAMENTS EXPLAINED

Every person reflects a blend of the four basic temperaments God placed in humanity. These temperaments shape behaviour, communication style, and emotional patterns. Understanding them brings clarity to how God designed you and helps you manage your strengths and weaknesses biblically.

a) SANGUINE – THE EXPRESSIVE TEMPERAMENT (Proverbs 15:13)

“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.”

The sanguine is cheerful, social, spontaneous, and inspiring. They bring life and excitement wherever they go. However, they often fight inconsistency, forgetfulness, and impulsive decisions. They need discipline and structure to thrive.

b) CHOLERIC – THE LEADERSHIP TEMPERAMENT (Proverbs 22:29)

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings…”

Cholerics are bold, decisive, strategic, and action-driven. They excel in leadership and problem-solving. Their weaknesses include impatience, harshness, and a tendency toward dominance. They need humility and gentleness.

c) MELANCHOLIC – THE ANALYTICAL TEMPERAMENT (Ecclesiastes 7:4)

“The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning…”

Melancholics are deep thinkers, organised, creative, and detail-oriented. They excel in planning, research, and quality work. Weaknesses include moodiness, perfectionism, and worry. They need emotional balance and encouragement.

d) PHLEGMATIC – THE PEACEFUL TEMPERAMENT (Romans 12:18)

“If it be possible… live peaceably with all men.”

Phlegmatics are calm, patient, gentle, loyal, and dependable. They bring harmony and stability to relationships. Weaknesses include passiveness, procrastination, and avoidance. They need motivation and courage.

Biblical Example: God created each temperament as “very good,” showing that all personalities are purposeful (Genesis 1:31).

2. MIXED TEMPERAMENTS IN SCRIPTURE

Many biblical heroes displayed blended temperaments. This shows that God uses personality combinations to equip people for diverse assignments. Mixed temperaments reveal the balance, flexibility, and depth God works into His servants.

a) DAVID – SANGUINE + MELANCHOLIC (2 Samuel 6:14; Psalm 42)

David was joyful and expressive in worship yet deep, reflective, and emotional. His blend helped him connect with God intimately and lead Israel passionately.

b) MOSES – MELANCHOLIC + PHLEGMATIC (Exodus 3:11; Exodus 32:11-14)

Moses was organised and thoughtful but also peace-seeking and calm. This blend made him a wise, patient leader who interceded for Israel.

c) PAUL – CHOLERIC + MELANCHOLIC (Acts 9:15; Romans 7:15-25)

Paul possessed strong leadership and strategic focus, combined with deep intellect, discipline, and introspection. This made him a powerful apostle and theologian.

d) PETER – SANGUINE + CHOLERIC (Matthew 14:28; Acts 2:14)

Peter was expressive, talkative, and spontaneous, yet bold, daring, and authoritative. His personality made him a dynamic leader in the early church.

Biblical Example: God uses people with diverse and mixed temperaments to fulfil divine assignments (Jeremiah 1:5).

3. HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT SHAPES OUR TEMPERAMENT

Natural temperament alone cannot produce spiritual maturity. The Holy Spirit works within us to refine our tendencies and produce Christlike character. He balances, strengthens, and transforms our personalities for Kingdom impact.

a) HE STRENGTHENS OUR WEAKNESSES (2 Corinthians 12:9)

God’s strength perfects our flaws, turning natural limitations into supernatural advantages.

b) HE PRODUCES CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER (Galatians 5:22-23)

The fruit of the Spirit reshapes our emotional and behavioural patterns into the image of Christ.

c) HE RENEWS THE MIND AND BEHAVIOUR (Romans 12:2)

Transformation begins internally; He changes our thinking, attitudes, and responses.

d) HE BALANCES NATURAL TENDENCIES WITH WISDOM (Isaiah 11:2)

The Spirit gives divine wisdom, counsel, and understanding to guide personality expression.

Biblical Example: Peter was transformed from unstable and impulsive to a solid pillar in the early church (Acts 4:13; Galatians 2:9).

4. DISCOVERING YOUR TEMPERAMENT FOR DESTINY FULFILMENT