12 Bible Verses About Selfishness

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
Published on:

Discover the negative effects of selfishness and the importance of selflessness with these twelve powerful Bible verses about selfishness.

The verses emphasize the need to put others before ourselves, serve others, and consider their needs above our own.

The article also recommends four Bible chapters that discuss selfishness and its consequences, including the root of selfishness, the importance of humility, and the dangers of greed.

Learn how to overcome selfishness and embrace selflessness to experience love, unity, and blessings.

Bible verses about selfishness

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about selfishness:

1. Philippians 2:3 – “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
2. James 3:16 – “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
3. Galatians 5:26 – “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”
4. Proverbs 28:25 – “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.”
5. 2 Timothy 3:2 – “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,”
6. 1 Corinthians 10:24 – “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.”

7. James 4:3 – “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
8. Proverbs 21:4 – “An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.”
9. Matthew 6:24 – “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
10. Luke 12:15 – “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
11. Philippians 2:4 – “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
12. 1 John 2:16 – “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

What does the Bible say about selfishness?

The Bible speaks against selfishness and encourages selflessness.

It teaches that selfishness leads to destruction and separation from God, while selflessness leads to love, unity, and blessings.

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of putting others before ourselves, serving others, and considering their needs above our own.

It teaches that true happiness and fulfillment come from living a selfless life and following the example of Jesus Christ, who gave up his life for the sake of others.

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

There are several Bible chapters that discuss selfishness and its consequences:

1. James 4 – This chapter talks about the root of selfishness, which is pride. It warns against selfish ambition and encourages humility and submission to God.

2. Philippians 2 – This chapter emphasizes the importance of selflessness and putting others’ needs before our own. It points to Jesus as the ultimate example of selflessness.

3. Luke 12 – This chapter includes the parable of the rich fool, who stored up treasures for himself but was not rich toward God. It warns against the dangers of greed and selfishness.

4. Proverbs 11 – This chapter contrasts the blessings of generosity with the consequences of selfishness. It encourages giving and warns against hoarding.

These chapters are relevant to selfishness because they provide guidance on how to overcome it and warn against its destructive consequences. They emphasize the importance of humility, selflessness, and generosity, which are all antidotes to selfishness.

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

1. Pride – Pride is a sense of self-importance and self-worth that often leads to selfish behavior. The Bible warns against pride, stating that it leads to destruction and downfall.

2. Greed – Greed is the desire for material possessions and wealth. The Bible warns against greed, stating that it is a root of all kinds of evil.

3. Envy – Envy is the desire for what others have. The Bible warns against envy, stating that it leads to bitterness and strife.

4. Self-centeredness – Self-centeredness is a focus on oneself and one’s own needs and desires. The Bible warns against self-centeredness, stating that it leads to selfishness and a lack of concern for others.

5. Idolatry – Idolatry is the worship of anything other than God. The Bible warns against idolatry, stating that it leads to selfishness and a lack of concern for others.

All of these concepts are related to selfishness because they all involve a focus on oneself and one’s own desires, often at the expense of others. The Bible teaches that true love and compassion involve putting the needs of others before one’s own desires, and that selfishness ultimately leads to destruction and separation from God.

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.