25 Bible Verses About Narcissism (With Commentary)
Narcissism can hinder our relationships and spiritual growth. Today, we’ll look into Bible verses that offer insights into the dangers of self-absorption and the importance of humility and selflessness in our journey of faith and personal development.
Bible Verses About Narcissism
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This verse warns against the dangers of pride and a haughty spirit. It reminds us that when we exalt ourselves and think highly of ourselves, we are setting ourselves up for a downfall.
Narcissism often stems from an inflated sense of self-importance and a desire for constant admiration. This verse serves as a reminder to stay humble and grounded, relying on God’s grace rather than our own abilities.
James 4:6
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”
God’s grace is not given to those who are proud and full of themselves. Instead, it is given to those who recognize their need for Him and approach Him with humility.
Narcissism often hinders our ability to acknowledge our flaws and weaknesses. This verse reminds us that the key to receiving God’s grace is to humble ourselves before Him, recognizing that we are in constant need of His mercy and forgiveness.
1 Corinthians 10:12
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”
This verse cautions against self-assurance and overconfidence. It reminds us that no matter how strong or self-sufficient we may think we are, we are still susceptible to failure and falling.
Narcissism often leads to a false sense of invincibility and an inability to see our own faults and vulnerabilities. This verse serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate our need for God’s guidance and strength, humbling ourselves before Him and relying on Him in all things.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
This verse encourages us to reject selfishness and self-centeredness, instead embracing humility and considering others as more significant than ourselves.
Narcissism often promotes a mindset of self-interest and the prioritization of personal desires above all else. This verse challenges us to shift our focus from ourselves to others, seeking to serve and love them selflessly.
Proverbs 27:2
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.”
This verse highlights the importance of humility and the dangers of self-promotion. It reminds us that seeking validation and praise from others is far more valuable and genuine than boasting and praising ourselves.
Narcissism often manifests in an incessant need for self-praise and self-glorification. This verse encourages us to let others recognize and acknowledge our worth, rather than seeking to constantly exalt ourselves.
Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This verse speaks of the reversal of fortune that humility and pride can bring. It teaches us that those who exalt themselves and prioritize their own greatness will eventually be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted by God.
Narcissism often results in self-aggrandizement and a disregard for others. This verse serves as a reminder that true greatness is found in humility, as God values those who are willing to put others before themselves.
2 Timothy 3:2-4
“For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
This passage provides a description of the characteristics and behaviors that narcissistic individuals may exhibit. It serves as a warning against the destructive nature of self-centeredness and the adverse effects it can have on our relationships and our walk with God.
Narcissism often leads to an obsession with self-gain, arrogance, and a lack of empathy towards others. These traits are cautioned against in this verse, as they are contrary to the teachings of Christ and can hinder our ability to love and serve God and others.
Psalm 101:5
“Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.”
This verse highlights God’s disapproval of arrogance and slander. It emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and humility.
Narcissism often leads individuals to belittle and slander others, as they seek to maintain their sense of superiority. This verse serves as a reminder that God values humility and despises the mistreatment of others.
Luke 18:14
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
This verse shares the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, illustrating the stark contrast between pride and humility. It teaches us that humility before God leads to justification, while self-righteousness and self-exaltation will only bring about humbling.
Narcissism often blinds individuals to their own need for God’s mercy and forgiveness. This verse reminds us of the importance of approaching God with humility and acknowledging our own sinfulness, relying on His grace rather than our own perceived righteousness.
Isaiah 2:11
“The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.”
This verse speaks of the ultimate judgment and humbling of the prideful and self-exalting. It reminds us that no matter how much we may exalt ourselves in this world, ultimately, only God will be exalted.
Narcissism often leads individuals to seek their own glory and recognition, disregarding God’s authority in their lives. This verse serves as a warning that God will humble the prideful and remind everyone of His sovereignty.
Galatians 6:3
“For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
This verse admonishes against self-deception and self-importance. It reminds us that when we think too highly of ourselves, we are deceiving ourselves and failing to recognize our true state.
Narcissism often stems from an inflated self-perception. This verse serves as a reminder to stay grounded in the truth, recognizing that our worth and significance come from God alone, not from our own achievements or self-perceived greatness.
Romans 12:3
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
This verse encourages us to have a realistic and humble view of ourselves. It teaches us to think with sober judgment, acknowledging both our strengths and our limitations.
Narcissism often distorts our view of ourselves, leading to an exaggerated sense of self-importance. This verse reminds us to align our perspective with God’s truth, recognizing that our abilities and worth come from Him.
Proverbs 29:23
“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.”
This verse contrasts the outcomes of pride and humility. It teaches us that pride will eventually lead to humiliation, while a lowly and humble spirit will be rewarded with honor.
Narcissism often drives individuals to seek constant recognition and praise, disregarding others’ needs and feelings. This verse reminds us that true honor and recognition come from God and are found in a spirit of humility.
Matthew 23:12
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
This verse reiterates the principle that self-exaltation will ultimately lead to humbling, while humility brings about exaltation. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing humility and letting go of pride.
Narcissism often blinds individuals to their own shortcomings and hinders their ability to grow and learn from their mistakes. This verse serves as a reminder to approach God with humility, acknowledging our need for His guidance and wisdom.
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”
This verse encourages us to cultivate harmonious relationships with others, rejecting haughtiness and self-centeredness. It teaches us to associate with those who may be considered lowly or less significant by society.
Narcissism often leads individuals to surround themselves only with those who can boost their ego and flatter their self-perceived greatness. This verse challenges us to break free from such narrow-mindedness and embrace genuine humility and compassion towards others.
Matthew 20:26-28
“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
This passage shares Jesus’ teachings on servant leadership, challenging our perspectives on greatness and importance. It emphasizes that true greatness lies in serving others, just as Christ came to serve and give His life for many.
Narcissism often pushes individuals to prioritize their own interests and desires above those of others. This verse reminds us to imitate Christ’s selfless example, seeking opportunities to serve and sacrificially love others.
Proverbs 13:10
“By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.”
This verse warns against the destructive nature of insolence and pride. It emphasizes the importance of listening to advice and seeking wisdom, rather than stubbornly insisting on our own way.
Narcissism often hinders individuals from considering the opinions and advice of others, as they believe they already know what is best. This verse encourages us to set aside our pride and embrace the wisdom that comes from humbly seeking counsel.
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
This verse cautions against conceit and provocation, reminding us not to fuel rivalry or envy among one another. It encourages us to foster an attitude of humility and love towards others.
Narcissism often leads individuals to compete with and provoke others, seeking to maintain their position of superiority. This verse challenges us to reject such behavior, cultivating a spirit of humility and kindness towards all.
Proverbs 8:13
“The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.”
This verse highlights God’s hatred towards pride, arrogance, and evil. It teaches us that humility and reverence for the Lord should be our guiding principles.
Narcissism often involves a disregard for God’s commandments and a prioritization of one’s desires and ambitions. This verse reminds us of the importance of fearing and honoring God, which entails turning away from pride and embracing humility.
Daniel 4:37
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”
This verse comes from the confession of Nebuchadnezzar after his humbling experience. It acknowledges the sovereignty and justice of God, recognizing that He has the power to humble those who walk in pride.
Narcissism often blinds individuals to their need for God and His authority in their lives. This verse serves as a reminder that no one is exempt from God’s ability to humble, and it encourages us to maintain a humble posture before Him.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9
“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
In this passage, the apostle Paul shares his experience of being humbled by a thorn in the flesh, recognizing that God’s power is made perfect in weakness and that His grace is sufficient.
Narcissism often causes individuals to boast in their strengths and abilities, neglecting to acknowledge their weaknesses and their need for God’s grace. This verse reminds us that true strength is found in acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on God’s power and grace.
What Does the Bible Say About Narcissism?
In the Bible, narcissism is not directly mentioned as a psychological concept. However, the Bible does discuss attitudes and behaviors that are associated with narcissism. The concept of narcissism, which includes excessive self-centeredness, pride, and a lack of empathy, is contrary to the Christian principles taught by Jesus Christ.
The Bible speaks against pride and exhorts us to have a humble and servant-hearted attitude. In Philippians 2:3-4, we are encouraged to “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” This directly opposes the self-centered nature of narcissism.
Additionally, the Bible warns against the love of self and the pursuit of one’s own desires at the expense of others. In 2 Timothy 3:2-4, it describes the characteristics of people in the last days as being lovers of self, proud, and having an appearance of godliness but denying its power. This reflects the self-absorbed nature of narcissism.
Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 teaches us about the nature of love, which is patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not arrogant or rude, not insisting on its own way, not irritable or resentful, and does not rejoice at wrongdoing. Narcissistic behaviors are in direct contradiction to these principles of love.
Ultimately, the Bible calls us to love God first and foremost, and to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). This kind of love requires humility, selflessness, and empathy, all of which are antithetical to the traits of narcissism. Instead, we are called to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Therefore, as Christians, we are called to embody the opposite of narcissism by focusing on God and others, cultivating humility, and practicing love and empathy in our interactions with those around us.
