What does the Bible say about selfish?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that selfishness springs from sinful pride and calls believers, through Christ’s grace, to seek God’s glory and the good of others. Philippians 2:3-4 teaches us to count others more significant than ourselves, following the humble pattern of Christ. First Corinthians 10:24 similarly directs us not to pursue merely our own advantage. Scripture contrasts self-centered ambition with genuine love, honor, generosity, and service: Romans 12:10 calls Christians to outdo one another in showing honor, while Acts 20:35 commends the blessing of giving. Romans 2:8 warns against selfish ambition, and 2 Timothy 3:2 identifies self-love as a mark of last-days rebellion. Even possessions are to be used generously for God’s purposes, as 1 Timothy 6:17-19 teaches.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Corinthians 10:24
Let no one seek his own, but each one his neighbor's good.
- 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.
- Acts 20:35
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
- 2 Timothy 3:2
For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
- Romans 12:10
In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;
- Romans 2:8
but to those who are self-seeking, and don't obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation,
- 1 Timothy 6:17-19
[17] Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; [18] that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; [19] laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.
- Philippians 2:4
each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
- Luke 21:1-4
[1] He looked up, and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury. [2] He saw a certain poor widow casting in two small brass coins. [3] He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them, [4] for all these put in gifts for God from their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had to live on."
- Romans 12:3
For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.
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