25 Bible Verses About Being Selfish (With Commentary)
Selfishness can hinder our relationships and spiritual growth. Join us as we explore how the Bible addresses selfishness and provides guidance on living a selfless and compassionate life.
Bible Verses About Being Selfish
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
This verse warns against selfish ambition and encourages humility and valuing others over ourselves. It speaks to the importance of selflessness in our actions and interactions with others, reminding us to put their needs before our own.
James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
Selfish ambition can lead to envy, disorder, and harmful practices. This verse reminds us that selfishness breeds negativity and chaos, emphasizing the importance of fostering a selfless attitude instead.
1 Corinthians 10:24
“No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
This verse highlights the need to prioritize the good of others over our own desires. It encourages us to act in ways that benefit and uplift those around us rather than solely focusing on our own personal gain.
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Being selfish can lead to conceit, provocation, and envy. This verse reminds us to guard against these negative attributes and instead cultivate a spirit of humility, kindness, and genuine concern for others.
Proverbs 18:1
“An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.”
This verse warns against the destructive nature of selfishness, emphasizing that it often leads to conflict and strife. It encourages us to seek harmonious relationships and avoid selfish actions that will only bring about unnecessary disputes.
Mark 8:36
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”
This verse challenges the mentality of selfishly pursuing worldly wealth and personal gain. It reminds us that true fulfillment and eternal value cannot be found in material possessions, but rather in the state of our souls and our relationship with God.
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This verse serves as a reminder that selfishly seeking recognition and exaltation leads to eventual humiliation. In contrast, choosing humility and selflessness allows God to uplift and honor us in His perfect time.
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
Being a disciple of Christ requires self-denial and carrying our cross daily. This verse emphasizes that true discipleship involves surrendering our selfish desires and submitting our lives to Christ’s leadership.
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
This verse cautions against the selfish pursuit of wealth, which can lead to a departure from faith and bring about various forms of hardship and sorrow. It reminds us that prioritizing material gain above all else can have grave consequences.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Being devoted to one another and placing importance on honoring others above ourselves is highlighted in this verse. It encourages us to cultivate a selfless and loving attitude in our relationships, fostering mutual respect and care.
1 Peter 5:5
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”
This verse emphasizes the importance of humility in our interactions with others. It encourages us to willingly submit to those in authority and to approach all relationships with a humble attitude, knowing that God favors the humble and opposes the proud.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
This verse emphasizes the impossibility of serving both selfish desires and God wholeheartedly. It reveals that our allegiance and devotion can only be directed towards one master, and we must choose to prioritize our relationship with God over worldly pursuits.
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
This verse calls us to submit to one another not out of selfish gain, but out of reverence for Christ. It echoes the importance of selflessness and genuine respect for others in all our interactions, reflecting the love and humility of Christ.
Proverbs 28:25
“The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.”
Being driven by greed and selfish desires often leads to conflict and tension, while trusting in the Lord brings prosperity and peace. This verse encourages us to rely on God rather than our selfish ambitions, knowing that true fulfillment is found in Him.
1 Corinthians 13:5
“It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
This verse comes from the well-known chapter on love in the Bible. It describes the nature of love as being selfless, patient, and forgiving. It serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize love and selflessness in our relationships and interactions.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This verse encourages us to approach our work and responsibilities with a selfless mindset. Instead of seeking personal gain or recognition, we are called to work diligently and faithfully, viewing it as an opportunity to serve and honor God.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse reveals that selfishness and neglect of others’ needs are sinful, while blessing comes to those who are generous and compassionate towards the poor and marginalized. It encourages us to extend kindness and help to those in need, reflecting God’s heart for justice and mercy.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Selflessness manifests in carrying one another’s burdens, supporting and helping each other through life’s challenges. This verse reminds us of the importance of showing compassion and willingly assisting those in need, fulfilling the commandment of Christ to love one another.
James 2:8
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.”
Jesus described loving our neighbor as ourselves as the second greatest commandment. This verse encourages us to actively live out this law, treating others with the same care, consideration, and selflessness that we desire for ourselves.
1 John 4:11
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
Our love for others should be a reflection of God’s love for us. This verse reminds us that because God has loved us so lavishly, we have a responsibility to extend that love to others in our actions, attitudes, and interactions.
Titus 3:5
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
This verse reminds us of the selfless act of God in saving us through His mercy, not because of our works. It serves as a humbling reminder of the selflessness of God’s love and calls us to show the same selflessness to others.
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
This verse is commonly known as the Golden Rule. It encapsulates the selfless attitude we should have towards others. It encourages us to treat others with kindness, compassion, and fairness, just as we desire to be treated ourselves.
1 John 3:16
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
Sacrificial love is the ultimate demonstration of selflessness. This verse points to Jesus as the perfect example of love, as He willingly gave His life for us. As His followers, we are called to emulate His selfless love by putting others’ needs before our own.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
This verse, similar to the one mentioned earlier, reinforces the command to love our neighbor as ourselves. It reminds us that selflessness should be the foundation of our love and interactions with those around us.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
This verse once again points to the sacrificial nature of love. It emphasizes the incredible selflessness displayed in laying down one’s life for their friends—showing the ultimate act of love and selflessness.
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
This verse provides a comprehensive picture of selflessness in action. It encourages unity of mind, sympathy, love, compassion, and humility towards one another—characteristics that allow us to prioritize others above ourselves.
What Does the Bible Say About Being Selfish?
In the Bible, we are taught to consider others before ourselves and to live a life of selflessness. Jesus set an example of selflessness by sacrificing Himself for our sins (1 John 3:16). The Bible speaks against selfishness and encourages us to put the needs of others before our own (Philippians 2:3-4).
Being selfish can lead to negative outcomes such as conflict and division among people. The Bible warns us about the consequences of selfishness and encourages us to live in a way that considers the well-being of others (James 3:16).
Furthermore, the Bible teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). This includes being considerate of their needs and demonstrating kindness and generosity. When we live in accordance with these principles, we reflect the selfless love of Christ and honor God with our actions.
Ultimately, the Bible emphasizes the importance of humility and serving others, rather than seeking our own desires. By following these teachings, we not only fulfill God’s commands but also experience the joy of serving others with a selfless heart.
