The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Selfishness

Ever found yourself caught in the web of self-centered thoughts? You're not alone. We all have moments where our own needs and desires overshadow everything else.

But what if there was a way to shift that focus? The Bible offers timeless wisdom that can help us navigate these feelings and find a more balanced perspective.

50 Bible Verses About Selfishness

10 Bible Verses on Overcoming Selfishness

• "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." — Philippians 2:3-4
• "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." — Galatians 5:16-17
• "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;" — Romans 12:10
• "Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being." — 1 Corinthians 10:24
• "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." — James 3:16
• "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." — 1 Peter 4:10
• "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.'" — Matthew 16:24-25
• "Then He said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'" — Luke 9:23
• "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." — Colossians 3:12-14
• "With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." — Ephesians 4:2-3

10 Bible Verses on Consequences of Selfishness

• "A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment." — Proverbs 18:1
• "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." — James 4:1-3
• "There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself." — Proverbs 11:24-25
• "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." — Galatians 6:7-8
• "But to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath," — Romans 2:8
• "For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God," — 2 Timothy 3:2-4
• "He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered." — Proverbs 28:25
• "Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy." — Ezekiel 16:49
• "Yes, they are greedy dogs which never have enough. And they are shepherds who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory." — Isaiah 56:11
• "Yet your eyes and your heart are for nothing but your covetousness, For shedding innocent blood, And practicing oppression and violence." — Jeremiah 22:17

10 Bible Verses on Selfishness in Relationships

• "For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus." — Philippians 2:21
• "[Love] does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;" — 1 Corinthians 13:5
• "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?" — James 4:11-12
• "Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard." — Proverbs 21:13
• "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her," — Ephesians 5:25
• "Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them." — Colossians 3:19
• "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered." — 1 Peter 3:7
• "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." — Matthew 7:12
• "We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification." — Romans 15:1-2
• "But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" — 1 John 3:17

10 Bible Verses on Selfishness vs. Generosity

• "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" — Acts 20:35
• "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." — 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
• "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." — Luke 6:38
• "The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself." — Proverbs 11:25
• "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." — Matthew 6:19-21
• "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." — 1 Timothy 6:17-19
• "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." — Hebrews 13:16
• "He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor." — Proverbs 22:9
• "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." — 1 John 3:16-18
• "Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." — Luke 12:33-34

10 Bible Verses on Selfishness and Spiritual Growth

• "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." — Galatians 5:19-21
• "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." — Romans 8:5-6
• "For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?" — 1 Corinthians 3:3
• "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love." — 2 Peter 1:5-7
• "That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." — Ephesians 4:22-24
• "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." — Colossians 3:5
• "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." — James 1:22-25
• "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." — 1 Timothy 6:10
• "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." — Matthew 6:24
• "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." — Romans 12:2

What Does the Bible Say About Selfishness

The Bible offers profound insights into the nature of selfishness and its impact on our lives. It consistently encourages us to look beyond our own desires and consider the well-being of others. For instance, Philippians 2:3-4 urges us to act with humility and prioritize others' interests over our own. This theme of selflessness is echoed throughout the scriptures, reminding us that true fulfillment comes from serving others.

Selfishness often leads to negative consequences, as highlighted in Proverbs 18:1 and James 4:1-3. These verses illustrate how self-centered actions can result in isolation and conflict. By contrast, generosity and selflessness bring about positive outcomes. Acts 20:35 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 emphasize the blessings that come from giving and supporting those in need. These teachings inspire us to cultivate a generous spirit, knowing that our actions can have a profound impact on others.

In relationships, selfishness can be particularly damaging. Verses like 1 Corinthians 13:5 and Ephesians 5:25 call us to love selflessly and honor one another. By applying these principles, we can build stronger, more compassionate connections with those around us. Ultimately, the Bible's teachings on selfishness guide us toward a life of greater purpose and fulfillment, encouraging us to grow spiritually and foster a more loving, generous world.

How to Apply Selfishness Bible Verses in Daily Life

Applying the Bible's teachings on selfishness in daily life can transform your relationships and personal growth. Start by practicing mindfulness in your interactions. Ask yourself if your actions are driven by self-interest or a genuine desire to help others.

Here are some actionable steps to incorporate these teachings:

• Practice Gratitude: Begin each day by listing things you're grateful for. This shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have.
• Volunteer: Dedicate time to help those in need. Volunteering can provide perspective and reduce self-centered tendencies.
• Listen Actively: When conversing, focus on understanding the other person's point of view rather than planning your response.
• Share Resources: Whether it's time, money, or skills, find ways to share what you have with others.
• Reflect Daily: Spend a few minutes each night reflecting on your actions. Consider if they were selfless and how you can improve.

By integrating these steps, you can cultivate a more selfless and fulfilling life. Explore more prayers and Bible verses on PrayersFor or use our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.