In today’s world, we often encounter people who are overly focused on themselves. The Bible has wisdom to offer about narcissism and how to handle it.
Let’s explore key Bible verses that teach us about humility, love, and the dangers of self-centeredness. Join us as we look to Scripture for guidance.
Bible Verses About Narcissism
Philippians 2:3 – We should act with humility towards others
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
James 3:16 – Where selfishness exists, chaos follows
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
Proverbs 16:18 – Pride leads to downfall
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Galatians 5:26 – Let us avoid being boastful
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Romans 12:3 – We should think soberly about ourselves
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.”
2 Timothy 3:2 – In the last days, people will be self-centered
“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and unholy.”
Proverbs 27:2 – Let others praise you, not yourself
“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”
Luke 14:11 – Humbling oneself leads to honor
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Matthew 5:5 – The meek will inherit the earth
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
1 John 2:16 – The desires of the flesh lead away from God
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
Proverbs 11:2 – With humility comes wisdom
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Matthew 20:26-27 – Greatness is found in serving others
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.”
Isaiah 5:21 – Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.”
Galatians 6:3 – To think we are something when we are not
“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.”
Matthew 23:12 – Humbling ourselves leads to exaltation
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Proverbs 29:23 – Humility brings honor
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
1 Peter 5:6 – Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
Proverbs 18:12 – Before a downfall, the heart is haughty
“Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
Psalm 10:4 – The wicked in their pride do not seek God
“In his pride, the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts, there is no room for God.”
Luke 18:14 – Those who humble themselves will be justified
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Philippians 2:4 – Look not only to your interests
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Luke 12:15 – Beware of all forms of greed
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’
Proverbs 28:25 – A greedy person stirs up conflict
“The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.”
Colossians 3:12 – Clothe yourselves with humility
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Ephesians 4:2 – Be completely humble and gentle
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Proverbs 12:15 – The way of a fool seems right to them
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listens to advice.”
2 Corinthians 10:12 – We do not dare classify or compare ourselves
“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”
Proverbs 30:13 – There are those who are lofty in their own eyes
“There are those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth.”
Matthew 7:3 – Do not focus on the speck in your brother’s eye
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
1 Timothy 6:9 – Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”
Titus 3:3 – We were once foolish and deceived
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Running
What Does the Bible Say About Narcissism
As we explore the concept of narcissism through the lens of biblical teachings, it’s important to consider how Scripture addresses pride, self-centeredness, and humility. While the term “narcissism” itself doesn’t appear in the Bible, the behaviors and attitudes associated with it are certainly discussed.
First and foremost, the Bible warns extensively against pride and arrogance. Proverbs is filled with wisdom, cautioning us that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This speaks to the inherent danger of placing ourselves above others and becoming consumed with our image and desires.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently addresses behaviors that are antithetical to Christian norms. In his letters, particularly to the churches in Galatia and Philippi, he encourages believers to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and humility. These virtues starkly contrast with the characteristics of a narcissist, highlighting the need for a heart aligned with Christ.
Jesus himself provides the ultimate example of humility. In the Gospels, we see him washing the feet of his disciples, modeling servant leadership rather than self-importance. He consistently taught that “the last will be first, and the first will be last,” which is a direct challenge to narcissistic tendencies. Through parables and actions, Jesus emphasized that true greatness is found in serving others, not in exalting oneself.
Moreover, the Bible encourages self-examination and repentance. In the Psalms, King David prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” This call for inward transformation speaks to the need to recognize and repent of self-centered attitudes, seeking God’s help to cultivate a humble spirit.
In terms of living out our faith, the letters of the New Testament implore us to “put on the new self,” which includes ridding ourselves of selfish ambition and vain conceit. The community of believers is encouraged to support one another and to consider others better than ourselves, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect.
Overall, the Bible’s teachings on humility, selflessness, and the dangers of pride provide a clear framework for understanding and confronting narcissism. It calls us to live lives that reflect the character of Christ, focusing on serving others and glorifying God rather than ourselves.