Those amongst the ancient Rishis that were acquainted with truth said that self-control, leads to the highest merit. Self-control is the eternal duty of the Brahmanas especially.
दमं निःश्रेयसं प्राहुर्वृद्धा निश्चितदर्शिनः। ब्राह्मणस्य विशेषेण दमो धर्मः सनातनः॥