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Spirit-Controlled Temperament
A superb treatment of the basic human temperaments and how God can use them, now revised with new chapters and questions for group study.
256 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1966
330 people are currently reading
2194 people want to read
About the author
Tim LaHaye
778 books2,280 followersTimothy "Tim" F. LaHaye was an American evangelical Christian minister, author, and speaker, best known for the Left Behind series of apocalyptic fiction, which he co-wrote with Jerry B. Jenkins.
He has written over 50 books, both fiction and non-fiction.
He has written over 50 books, both fiction and non-fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
September 8, 2012
I read this book over a decade ago and I still have the book. I found it fascinating how God works with us to change us but still allow us to keep our personalities intact. He smoothes out some of our rough edges and strengthens our best traits. It also helped me to see that different people having different strengths and weaknesses.
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July 30, 2011My basic temperament? Maestro Melancholy.
Read this book to discover your temperament's stengths and weakness and how to become a better you through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I also recommend "Daughters of the King" by Gail M Hayes to any woman who enjoyed this book as much as I did.
Read this book to discover your temperament's stengths and weakness and how to become a better you through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I also recommend "Daughters of the King" by Gail M Hayes to any woman who enjoyed this book as much as I did.
December 18, 2019
I read this book years ago. It was amazing for someone of my particular temperament. I found the book immensely helpful. It allowed me to give myself a little grace, to understand the bundle of strengths and weaknesses that seemed to be intrinsic to me, and to accept that each weakness is probably the "bad" side of a good trait. Of course, the book also helped me give grace to others, particularly those who are so unlike me that I might previously have envied their gifts while simultaneously condemning and judging them for their weaknesses--things no reasonable person would struggle with, or so I thought, because those weaknesses were not MY weaknesses. This book broadened my view of humanity and certainly increased my compassion and empathy, especially for those who are nothing like me. For thirty years the insight I found here has shaped my thinking in a fundamental way.
Recently, my daughter, whose temperament is so much like mine, was struggling with her own issues, and I realized it was at about the same age that I first read LaHaye's great book. I must find a copy to pass on to her.
By the way, I don't particularly "believe in" temperaments, and I'm sure even LaHaye has no great interest in the theory of the "humours" from which the idea is derived. Like so much of psychology and our understanding of the mind and heart, these are just theories and metaphors, no more tangible or prove-able than the existence of a conscious and sub-conscious, or the id, ego, and super-ego, or the related personality inventories that divide humanity into golden retrievers, and lions, and whatever else. None of these things are "real" and certainly they cannot be proven with any evidence. However, like the modern approach to psychology and other soft sciences, these things work on a pragmatic level.
Temperaments may not be "real" exactly, but human personalities do group themselves quite neatly along the lines described in this book. Writers and thinkers have been using the temperament theory to categorize and analyze human personalities for thousands of years; whether subject to evidentiary proof or not, this stuff works. There is a lot of wisdom here.
Recently, my daughter, whose temperament is so much like mine, was struggling with her own issues, and I realized it was at about the same age that I first read LaHaye's great book. I must find a copy to pass on to her.
By the way, I don't particularly "believe in" temperaments, and I'm sure even LaHaye has no great interest in the theory of the "humours" from which the idea is derived. Like so much of psychology and our understanding of the mind and heart, these are just theories and metaphors, no more tangible or prove-able than the existence of a conscious and sub-conscious, or the id, ego, and super-ego, or the related personality inventories that divide humanity into golden retrievers, and lions, and whatever else. None of these things are "real" and certainly they cannot be proven with any evidence. However, like the modern approach to psychology and other soft sciences, these things work on a pragmatic level.
Temperaments may not be "real" exactly, but human personalities do group themselves quite neatly along the lines described in this book. Writers and thinkers have been using the temperament theory to categorize and analyze human personalities for thousands of years; whether subject to evidentiary proof or not, this stuff works. There is a lot of wisdom here.
February 27, 2019
Abandoned by psychiatric establishments during the Middle Ages, the fantasies of the Four Humours, Four Temperaments, etc. gained some popularity after 'repackaging' and publication in the 60s within the Christian church. "Anything but God's Word" as they say. Read for personal research during the 70s.
For more information SEE: - Four Temperaments, Astrology and Personality Testing - Christians and the Four Temperaments -
"True and Reliable? The four temperaments theory also gives an illusion of truth. One can apply all descriptive traits to all humans to a greater or lesser degree. Therefore, when temperament characteristics are placed in categories,people can easily see themselves because of the universal nature of traits, such as friendly, confident, sensitive,dependable, and so on."
http://www.psychoheresy-aware.org/ima...
Stick with Scripture for evaluating the true nature of humans and for personal evaluation.
For more information SEE: - Four Temperaments, Astrology and Personality Testing - Christians and the Four Temperaments -
"True and Reliable? The four temperaments theory also gives an illusion of truth. One can apply all descriptive traits to all humans to a greater or lesser degree. Therefore, when temperament characteristics are placed in categories,people can easily see themselves because of the universal nature of traits, such as friendly, confident, sensitive,dependable, and so on."
http://www.psychoheresy-aware.org/ima...
Stick with Scripture for evaluating the true nature of humans and for personal evaluation.
February 22, 2016
LaHaye gives a clear analysis of personalities both with and without the influence of the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. To do so he utilizes the ancient four temperaments: Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy, and Phlegmatic. Though some would find this system archaic, LaHaye makes a clear and reasonable defense for this choice.
While this book is certainly of clinical interest for the counseling professional or student, the writing is engaging and clear enough for a layperson. I would recommend this as a beneficial resource for anyone interested in a uniquely Christian perspective on drives the actions and style of people - themselves or others. It may also serve as barometer of personal Spiritual maturity.
While this book is certainly of clinical interest for the counseling professional or student, the writing is engaging and clear enough for a layperson. I would recommend this as a beneficial resource for anyone interested in a uniquely Christian perspective on drives the actions and style of people - themselves or others. It may also serve as barometer of personal Spiritual maturity.
November 28, 2008
This book is an eye-opener to knowing oneself better and celebrating God's creativity in each person. Though knowing these things may lead to justifying ill behavior and the like, Dr. Tim Lahaye has provided a good balance and action prompt in taking this realizations into God's standards.
February 5, 2011
I like this book bc it showed me that some "annoying" characteristics can't be helped...it's just the way you were made. I also learned I have the most annoying characteristics!
December 27, 2016
This book often contradicts its self IMO another media for astrology.
March 10, 2025
Cel încet la mânie prețuiește mai mult decât un viteaz și cine este stăpân pe sine prețuiește mai mult decât cine cucerește cetăți.
~ Proverbele 16:32
~ Proverbele 16:32
August 22, 2024
2.5 stars.
This book is honestly a mixed bag.
On the one hand, LaHaye has some great thoughts about the kind of lifestyle Christians should live and the importance of surrendering one’s life daily to the Holy Spirit. His chapter on being filled with the Holy Spirit, in particular, was incredibly convicting for me as I think about my daily life with Christ. There are a lot of great theological statements about the importance of daily surrender and how even as Christians we can continue to indulge in the lifestyle of our dead flesh instead of living in the new life that Christ has granted to us. Additionally, I found LaHaye’s presentation of the Four Temperaments fascinating and somewhat convincing. I rarely put much stock into personality theories, however, and although LaHaye made some excellent observations regarding the temperaments, I still am questioning their validity.
On the other hand, LaHaye’s Arminian theology throughout the book leads him to some rather unbiblical conclusions. LaHaye argues that Christians cannot be forced by God to be filled by the Holy Spirit. Rather, Christians can outright refuse the Spirit’s working in their lives just as they can resist the Spirit’s calling of salvation. I find this incredibly problematic in light of Scripture, especially when looking at passages such as Romans 8-9, Ephesians 1, John 3 and 10, and so on, which explicitly talk about how our salvation is entirely the work of the Holy Spirit regenerating our dead souls, calling us to repentance, and granting us faith to believe in Jesus. Yes, as Christians, we are called to daily surrender and confession, but this is the result of the Holy Spirit working in us, not us on our own strength asking the Spirit to work how we would wish Him to work.
Furthermore, I take issue with how LaHaye talks about depression. Yes, depression can result from self-pity, but to characterize the vast majority of depression in this way is both inaccurate and dishonest to those who have genuine depression, either as a medical condition or as a result of a traumatic experience. I agree with him that the Holy Spirit can provide healing to all forms of depression, but to assume that this healing will always happen on this side of eternity is also unbiblical.
Overall, this book is a mixed bag. It has a lot of good insights and was very convicting towards how Christians should daily practice surrender and confession, but they are interspersed with some questionably theological conclusions. If you’re looking for a book about the cost of following Christ, you’re better off picking up something else.
This book is honestly a mixed bag.
On the one hand, LaHaye has some great thoughts about the kind of lifestyle Christians should live and the importance of surrendering one’s life daily to the Holy Spirit. His chapter on being filled with the Holy Spirit, in particular, was incredibly convicting for me as I think about my daily life with Christ. There are a lot of great theological statements about the importance of daily surrender and how even as Christians we can continue to indulge in the lifestyle of our dead flesh instead of living in the new life that Christ has granted to us. Additionally, I found LaHaye’s presentation of the Four Temperaments fascinating and somewhat convincing. I rarely put much stock into personality theories, however, and although LaHaye made some excellent observations regarding the temperaments, I still am questioning their validity.
On the other hand, LaHaye’s Arminian theology throughout the book leads him to some rather unbiblical conclusions. LaHaye argues that Christians cannot be forced by God to be filled by the Holy Spirit. Rather, Christians can outright refuse the Spirit’s working in their lives just as they can resist the Spirit’s calling of salvation. I find this incredibly problematic in light of Scripture, especially when looking at passages such as Romans 8-9, Ephesians 1, John 3 and 10, and so on, which explicitly talk about how our salvation is entirely the work of the Holy Spirit regenerating our dead souls, calling us to repentance, and granting us faith to believe in Jesus. Yes, as Christians, we are called to daily surrender and confession, but this is the result of the Holy Spirit working in us, not us on our own strength asking the Spirit to work how we would wish Him to work.
Furthermore, I take issue with how LaHaye talks about depression. Yes, depression can result from self-pity, but to characterize the vast majority of depression in this way is both inaccurate and dishonest to those who have genuine depression, either as a medical condition or as a result of a traumatic experience. I agree with him that the Holy Spirit can provide healing to all forms of depression, but to assume that this healing will always happen on this side of eternity is also unbiblical.
Overall, this book is a mixed bag. It has a lot of good insights and was very convicting towards how Christians should daily practice surrender and confession, but they are interspersed with some questionably theological conclusions. If you’re looking for a book about the cost of following Christ, you’re better off picking up something else.
April 21, 2019
I read this book years ago in the 1990's and decided to read once more.
The book is based on four personality types. Their strengths and weaknesses and how spiritually you can improve the weaknesses.
A person is not one personality type but is more than likely a combination of two or more.
Very interesting the 2nd time around and found out I had grown spiritually in areas and need to tweak more in other areas still.
The book is based on four personality types. Their strengths and weaknesses and how spiritually you can improve the weaknesses.
A person is not one personality type but is more than likely a combination of two or more.
Very interesting the 2nd time around and found out I had grown spiritually in areas and need to tweak more in other areas still.
March 4, 2020
Helpful as it is, each page gives you the deepest reflection of your soul. It enables you to know more about the deepest recesses of your being from your emotional, psychological, relational, mental and spiritual aspects. Your strengths are empowered and your weaknesses are controlled and changed. Nothing more is delightful and grateful for a man who knows himself a lot through God. You'll become more mature and conscious of your personality. ^_^
September 10, 2024
Mr. LaHaye did a wonderful job showing the strengths and weaknesses of each of the temperaments. He doesn't leave the reader with the information. He shows what the Holy Spirit can do with a person that's yielded to Him to overcome their weaknesses and then be greatly used of God.
August 25, 2018
Habla de los diferentes 4 tipos de temperamentos, sus cualidades y defectos y de cómo serían controlados por el Espíritu.
August 11, 2021
This is a very interesting book. It was my entry point into the world of Temperaments. I had left a great impression in my mind which is still potent today.
Great work Tim LaHaye, God bless you richly in Jesus name.
Great work Tim LaHaye, God bless you richly in Jesus name.
September 20, 2022
Este libro me ayudo mucho a comprender el origen diferentes problemáticas que he vivido a lo largo de mi vida. El estudio de los temperamentos termina siendo una herramienta de crecimiento personal, al entender cómo es tu forma de desenvolverte naturalmente, además de ser una herramienta para potenciar y ayudar a otras personas.
July 22, 2017
Christian NonFiction Life Changing
I would place this book, along with The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman, into the must read category for any marriage. Or for any parent for that matter.
The chapter on anger is invaluable, making the book worth the price, even if that's all you read.
And ladies, if you think your husband is the only one with an anger issue, think again. LaHaye makes a convicting case for emotional hurt being a form of anger.
There is also a chapter on worry and fear that will be of value to just about everyone.
As I read through the initial presentation of the four basis temperaments, I was thinking it seemed much too simplistic to be realistic. But as the book proceeds to explaining the different combinations of temperaments and what those combinations looks like, it really starts to hit home.
La Haye also talks about how each temperament has its specific challenges to be overcome, and how the Holy Spirit can use each temperament.
Bottom line Oh, how I wish my husband and I had read this early on in our marriage. As we've grown in the Lord, our marriage has grown so much sweeter, but how this would have helped early on. So many things that caused anger and hurt would have been avoided with some basic understanding of each other's temperament.
Clearly presented, easy to read and biblically sound. And very, very encouraging.
Highly recommended! In fact, I recommend giving this book, plus Gary Chapman's book, as wedding presents to every bride and groom.
I would place this book, along with The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman, into the must read category for any marriage. Or for any parent for that matter.
The chapter on anger is invaluable, making the book worth the price, even if that's all you read.
And ladies, if you think your husband is the only one with an anger issue, think again. LaHaye makes a convicting case for emotional hurt being a form of anger.
There is also a chapter on worry and fear that will be of value to just about everyone.
As I read through the initial presentation of the four basis temperaments, I was thinking it seemed much too simplistic to be realistic. But as the book proceeds to explaining the different combinations of temperaments and what those combinations looks like, it really starts to hit home.
La Haye also talks about how each temperament has its specific challenges to be overcome, and how the Holy Spirit can use each temperament.
Bottom line Oh, how I wish my husband and I had read this early on in our marriage. As we've grown in the Lord, our marriage has grown so much sweeter, but how this would have helped early on. So many things that caused anger and hurt would have been avoided with some basic understanding of each other's temperament.
Clearly presented, easy to read and biblically sound. And very, very encouraging.
Highly recommended! In fact, I recommend giving this book, plus Gary Chapman's book, as wedding presents to every bride and groom.
May 8, 2017
The idea of four temperaments seems to me a bit simplistic—though, as mentioned in the book, there's value as well in such simplicity to help people distill what is immediately actionable. Overall, I wasn't particularly drawn to the concept of the four temperaments, though certainly the book does an adequate job of differentiating each in very accessible language.
While I feel like some of the opinions laced through the book are outdated, I do think that there's particular value for Christians reading the book in the sections on temperament weaknesses, the fruit of the Spirit, how to be filled with the Spirit, and spirit-modified temperaments. The scripture and wisdom offered for the discussion on each weakness/fruit can apply regardless of whether you agree or not with the temperament formulations themselves, given that all Christians have weaknesses to overcome and a Spirit-filled life to grow into.
In sum, would take parts of the book with a grain of salt, but was refreshing to see a typology of personality melded against what the Spirit can do in relation to those personality types.
While I feel like some of the opinions laced through the book are outdated, I do think that there's particular value for Christians reading the book in the sections on temperament weaknesses, the fruit of the Spirit, how to be filled with the Spirit, and spirit-modified temperaments. The scripture and wisdom offered for the discussion on each weakness/fruit can apply regardless of whether you agree or not with the temperament formulations themselves, given that all Christians have weaknesses to overcome and a Spirit-filled life to grow into.
In sum, would take parts of the book with a grain of salt, but was refreshing to see a typology of personality melded against what the Spirit can do in relation to those personality types.
September 25, 2023
Most who know me are aware of my interest in the study of personalities. After reading Personality Plus, I have wanted to read this classic book on the Temperments by Mr. LaHaye. I’m so glad I found this book because it has helped so much in applying my study to my life. I’m a natural Sanguine, but have developed Melancholy traits by training and life challenges. I liked the idea of temperament blends and know I’d be a SangMel. I enjoyed that the author gave biblical examples of each blend. The descriptions of each blend made it easy to determine which you would fall into by using everyday activities like driving. Lots of my questions about the Holy Spirit were answered in this book. It has helped me feel better about my relationship with the Holy Spirit. It has convicting chapters for this SangMel, but it has very practical instructions on how to be filled by the Spirit and freed from my hang-ups. This book is be an awesome addition to my library and I will be reading it again for sure. God isn’t done with this SangMel girl yet!
February 9, 2013
This was recommended to me by the pastor who married my husband and I. It was deceptively simple at first, I wasn't sure how much I'd get out of it, but it had some interesting thoughts to glean off of and the temperament method he ascribes to seems well balanced, I could easily see myself and others I'm close to in them. I occasionally found myself annoyed with his language about self-pity, but that may be more to do with my proneness to do that exactly.
June 17, 2011
I can truly say that this book help me to change my life. Learning about the four temperaments and learning how I could learn to "temper" my negative tendencies has made a profound impact on how I live.
October 26, 2016
This was a great book on being filled with the Holy Spirit and using the fruits of the spirit to strengthen the weaknesses associated with our natural born temperaments. It is the best study I have read on personality and becoming who God made me to be.
October 21, 2008
Woah... amazing what one can learn about ones self.
August 4, 2009
This was a great book! The author had an interesting point of view, made me want to read more of his non-fiction books.
September 2, 2016
Maybe 40% Melancholic 25% Phlegmatic 20% Choleric, 15% Sanguine
February 12, 2015
This book was very good. I think that everyone should read it!
December 12, 2016
Still reading, have an acceptance of myself now. It is ok to be me.
July 17, 2019
Invingand temperamentul prin Duhul Sfant - Tim LaHaye
January 6, 2025
Super helpful for anyone that works with others, or wants to understand others. Below are some of my takeaways from the book:
Temperaments are the inborn traits that affect all behavior. They are based on hereditary factors, and six people contribute to these: the two parents and four grandparents.
Character is the real you. This is the hidden person of the heart – 1 Peter 3:4. Sometimes referred to as the soul of a person.
Personality is the outward expression of a person, which may or may not be the expression of a person‘s character. The place to change someone’s behavior is on the inside, not the outside.
Temperament can be changed through the Holy Spirit – 2 Corinthians 5:17
You can use your background as an excuse for your behavior only until you accept Jesus Christ. At the point of salvation, you have the power to change your conduct.
There are four different types of temperaments: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic.
Each temperament has its strengths and its weaknesses. Not one is better than the other.
The sanguine is a people-person, and enjoys talking and being with others. Simon Peter from the Bible was a sanguine. Most salesman, preachers, and actors are sanguine. They are never moderate about anything.
The choleric is a hot, quickly-reactive temperament. The apostle Paul was a choleric.
The melancholic is analytical and perfectionist type. He is a faithful friend, but does not make friends easily. Most musicians, theologians, scientist, engineers, and artist are melancholy. Moses was a melancholic.
The phlegmatic has a high boiling point and rarely explodes in laughter or anger. They can easily make everyone laugh while keeping a straight face. They are masters of things that take patience and detail. Abraham is a good example of a phlegmatic.
Rarely is someone composed of only one temperament. Usually, they have a predominant and secondary temperament, and possibly more.
Abraham went from being timid to a man known for his trust in the Lord. In God, personalities and lives are changed.
Because temperament is based on the natural man, it’s easier to diagnose the temperament of a lost person or carnal Christian than that of a spiritual person.
The temperament with the greatest strengths and potential also have the greatest potential of weaknesses.
Faith in Christ lifts a person above their temperament.
Selfishness is a basic weakness of every one of the temperaments.
Our strengths and weaknesses prevail by our choice.
We maximize our strength and minimize our weaknesses through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Any spirit-filled Cristian will have the strengths of Galatians 5:22–23, without weaknesses.
The greatest goal of a Christian is to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Temperaments are the inborn traits that affect all behavior. They are based on hereditary factors, and six people contribute to these: the two parents and four grandparents.
Character is the real you. This is the hidden person of the heart – 1 Peter 3:4. Sometimes referred to as the soul of a person.
Personality is the outward expression of a person, which may or may not be the expression of a person‘s character. The place to change someone’s behavior is on the inside, not the outside.
Temperament can be changed through the Holy Spirit – 2 Corinthians 5:17
You can use your background as an excuse for your behavior only until you accept Jesus Christ. At the point of salvation, you have the power to change your conduct.
There are four different types of temperaments: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic.
Each temperament has its strengths and its weaknesses. Not one is better than the other.
The sanguine is a people-person, and enjoys talking and being with others. Simon Peter from the Bible was a sanguine. Most salesman, preachers, and actors are sanguine. They are never moderate about anything.
The choleric is a hot, quickly-reactive temperament. The apostle Paul was a choleric.
The melancholic is analytical and perfectionist type. He is a faithful friend, but does not make friends easily. Most musicians, theologians, scientist, engineers, and artist are melancholy. Moses was a melancholic.
The phlegmatic has a high boiling point and rarely explodes in laughter or anger. They can easily make everyone laugh while keeping a straight face. They are masters of things that take patience and detail. Abraham is a good example of a phlegmatic.
Rarely is someone composed of only one temperament. Usually, they have a predominant and secondary temperament, and possibly more.
Abraham went from being timid to a man known for his trust in the Lord. In God, personalities and lives are changed.
Because temperament is based on the natural man, it’s easier to diagnose the temperament of a lost person or carnal Christian than that of a spiritual person.
The temperament with the greatest strengths and potential also have the greatest potential of weaknesses.
Faith in Christ lifts a person above their temperament.
Selfishness is a basic weakness of every one of the temperaments.
Our strengths and weaknesses prevail by our choice.
We maximize our strength and minimize our weaknesses through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Any spirit-filled Cristian will have the strengths of Galatians 5:22–23, without weaknesses.
The greatest goal of a Christian is to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews