What does the Bible say about being selfish?
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The Bible warns that selfishness springs from sinful desires and opposes the humble, loving character to which God calls His people. Philippians 2:3-4 urges believers to value others above themselves, following Christ's self-giving example. James 3:14-16 says selfish ambition produces disorder and evil, while 2 Timothy 3:1-5 names self-love among the marks of corrupt times. Yet the gospel renews hearts: Christians are to give freely, speak graciously, forgive readily, and meet real needs, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:7, Ephesians 4:29-32, and James 2:14-17. God alone must be our master, not gain or self-interest.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Philippians 2:3
doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;
- James 3:14-16
[14] But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't boast and don't lie against the truth. [15] This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. [16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
- 2 Timothy 3:1-5
[1] But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. [2] For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, [4] traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; [5] holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof. Turn away from these, also.
- Philippians 2:3-4
[3] doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; [4] each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
- Ephesians 4:29-32
[29] Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. [30] Don't grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. [32] And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
- James 2:14-17
[14] What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? [15] And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, [16] and one of you tells them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled;" and yet you didn't give them the things the body needs, what good is it? [17] Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself.
- Psalms 119:36
Turn my heart toward your statutes, Not toward selfish gain.
- John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
- Luke 16:13
No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren't able to serve God and mammon."
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