“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
Bible Verses About Being Selfish
Genesis 3:6 – Adam and Eve’s desire for knowledge led to their downfall.
“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.” – Genesis 3:6
Proverbs 28:27 – Generosity leads to blessings.
“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.” – Proverbs 28:27
Luke 12:15 – Guarding against greed is wise.
“And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'” – Luke 12:15
James 4:1-2 – Desires lead to conflicts.
“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.” – James 4:1-2
Philippians 2:3 – Humility crushes selfish ambition.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
1 John 3:16-17 – Love is shown through actions.
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” – 1 John 3:16-17
Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in love.
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10
Matthew 6:24 – Serving two masters leads to conflict.
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” – Matthew 6:24
Matthew 20:26-28 – True greatness is in service.
“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26-28
Galatians 5:13 – Serve one another through love.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
Proverbs 18:1 – Isolation leads to selfishness.
“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” – Proverbs 18:1
1 Corinthians 10:24 – Seek the good of others.
“Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” – 1 Corinthians 10:24
2 Corinthians 9:6 – Generosity produces blessings.
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6
Ephesians 4:28 – Generosity brings community.
“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” – Ephesians 4:28
James 1:27 – True religion involves caring for others.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” – James 1:27
Luke 6:38 – Give and it will be given to you.
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.” – Luke 6:38
1 Peter 4:10 – Using your gifts selflessly.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Titus 3:2 – Speak evil of no one.
“To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” – Titus 3:2
Proverbs 11:25 – Generosity brings blessings.
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” – Proverbs 11:25
Luke 14:12-14 – Invite the needy to your home.
“When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid.” – Luke 14:12-14
1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Trust in God, not riches.
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” – 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Proverbs 22:9 – The generous will be blessed.
“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” – Proverbs 22:9
Matthew 7:12 – The golden rule.
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12
Ezra 7:10 – Seeking knowledge to teach others.
“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” – Ezra 7:10
2 Samuel 22:30 – Strength comes from God.
“For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.” – 2 Samuel 22:30
Colossians 3:23-24 – Work for the Lord.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.” – Colossians 3:23-24
Psalm 37:21 – The wicked borrow but do not pay back.
“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.” – Psalm 37:21
Acts 20:35 – It is more blessed to give than to receive.
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – Acts 20:35
Isaiah 58:6-7 – True fasting involves helping others.
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6-7
Final Thoughts
Being selfish can lead us away from a fulfilling life in Christ. Instead, we’re called to be selfless, helping those around us and showing love in action. It’s about changing our perspective from seeking our interests to looking out for others. When we focus more on serving and nurturing relationships, we reflect God’s love. Let’s remind ourselves of the great joy that service and generosity can bring.
We can find more encouraging and enlightening Bible verses about various topics. For instance, check out these verses about Jesus’ sacrifice or explore the importance of speaking kindly. Consider looking into verses about perseverance to keep moving forward!