12 Bible Verses About Narcissism

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about narcissism

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about narcissism:

1. Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
2. Philippians 2:3 – “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
3. James 4:6 – “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
4. Proverbs 27:2 – “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.”
5. Luke 14:11 – “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
6. Romans 12:3 – “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

7. 1 Peter 5:5 – “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
8. Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”
9. Galatians 6:3 – “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.”
10. Proverbs 16:5 – “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.”
11. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.”
12. Matthew 23:12 – “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

What does the bible say about narcissism?

The Bible addresses narcissism by emphasizing humility, selflessness, and putting others before oneself.

It warns against pride, arrogance, and self-centeredness, highlighting the importance of serving and loving others.

The Bible teaches that true fulfillment comes from serving God and others, rather than seeking validation and praise for oneself.

It also cautions against seeking power, wealth, and status for personal gain, and instead encourages a focus on spiritual growth and moral character.

Ultimately, the Bible promotes a mindset of humility, gratitude, and compassion towards others, rather than narcissistic tendencies.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about narcissism?

1. Proverbs 16 – This chapter discusses the dangers of pride and arrogance, which are common traits of narcissism. It emphasizes the importance of humility and seeking wisdom from God.

2. Matthew 23 – In this chapter, Jesus condemns the religious leaders for their hypocrisy and self-centeredness. It highlights the negative consequences of putting oneself above others and seeking praise and recognition.

3. 1 Corinthians 13 – Known as the “love chapter,” this passage emphasizes the importance of love, which is the opposite of narcissism. It describes the characteristics of true love, such as patience, kindness, and humility.

4. Philippians 2 – This chapter encourages believers to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled himself and became a servant. It teaches the importance of putting others before oneself and considering their interests above our own.

Reading these chapters can provide insight into the destructive nature of narcissism and the importance of humility, love, and serving others in the Christian faith. It can also serve as a reminder to strive for selflessness and genuine care for others, rather than seeking validation and praise for oneself.

Ideas and concepts related to narcissism that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Pride: The Bible often warns against excessive pride, which is a key characteristic of narcissism. Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Narcissists often have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others, leading to their downfall.

2. Selfishness: Narcissism is characterized by a lack of empathy and concern for others, focusing solely on one’s own needs and desires. In Philippians 2:3-4, it says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This verse emphasizes the importance of considering others before oneself, which is the opposite of narcissistic behavior.

3. Idolatry: Narcissists often worship themselves and prioritize their own desires above all else, similar to idolatry where individuals worship false gods or idols. Exodus 20:3 warns against idolatry, stating, “You shall have no other gods before me.” This commandment serves as a reminder to prioritize God and others above oneself, rather than becoming consumed by self-worship.

4. Deception: Narcissists often manipulate and deceive others to maintain their self-image and control over situations. Ephesians 4:25 cautions against deceitful behavior, advising, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” This verse highlights the importance of honesty and transparency in relationships, which contrasts with the deceptive tendencies of narcissists.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.