Masturbation and the Bible
The Bible never directly names masturbation, so faithful Christians hold differing views, and it is wise not to add rules Scripture does not state. What the Bible does address is what usually accompanies it: lust and fantasizing about someone you are not married to, which Jesus calls sin of the heart (Matthew 5:28), and being mastered by any desire - 'I will not be brought under the power of any' (1 Corinthians 6:12).
Honest questions to bring before God are whether it is fueled by lust, whether it has become a compulsive habit that controls you, and whether it pulls your heart away from him. The goal is not shame but self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and purity of heart (Matthew 5:8).
Where there is guilt, God offers cleansing and grace, not condemnation (1 John 1:9; Romans 8:1). If it feels compulsive, talking with a trusted, mature believer can help (James 5:16).
From Bible Navigator's study library. Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (public domain). This is encouragement for study and reflection, not professional counseling - if you are in crisis, call or text 988.