40 Powerful Bible Verses About Selfishness

Selfishness is one of the most common yet destructive attitudes found in human behavior. It not only hinders our relationships with others but also damages our walk with God. The Bible has much to say about the dangers of living a self-centered life. These 40 powerful Bible verses about selfishness will help you understand God’s perspective and encourage you to live in humility, love, and selflessness.

In this post, we will also explore two key questions: What does the Bible say about selfishness? and What are the consequences of selfishness in the Bible? Whether you’re seeking personal growth or preparing to teach others, these scriptures are a clear guide to a Christ-like way of life.

What Does the Bible Say About Selfishness?

The Bible speaks strongly against selfishness. It teaches that selfish ambition and putting our own interests above others leads to division, strife, and sin. Instead, God calls us to imitate Christ’s example of humility and service. Philippians 2:3-4 urges believers to do nothing out of selfish ambition but to consider others better than themselves. This mindset brings unity, peace, and blessings into our lives and communities.

Selfishness is portrayed as a characteristic of the sinful nature. In James 3:16, we read that where selfishness exists, there will also be disorder and every evil practice. God’s word makes it clear: selfishness is destructive, and selflessness is the path to godly living.

Consequences of Selfishness in the Bible

The consequences of selfishness in the Bible are serious. It leads to broken relationships, spiritual blindness, and separation from God’s blessings. Cain’s selfish anger led to the first murder in Genesis 4. King Saul’s selfishness caused him to lose his throne (1 Samuel 15). The rich fool in Luke 12, who hoarded wealth for himself, faced sudden judgment.

Selfishness not only harms others but ultimately destroys the selfish person. It creates barriers between people, fosters greed, and invites God’s discipline. On the other hand, living selflessly brings spiritual rewards, peace, and eternal life.

40 Powerful Bible Verses About Selfishness

Here are 40 powerful bible verses about selfishness:

Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
James 3:16 – “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
Galatians 5:19–21 – “The acts of the flesh are obvious… selfish ambition… those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Romans 2:8 – “But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.”
2 Timothy 3:2 – “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive…”
Luke 9:24 – “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”
Proverbs 18:1 – “An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.”
1 Corinthians 10:24 – “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
Matthew 23:25 – “Woe to you… you clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.”
Titus 1:7 – “Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.”
Romans 15:1 – “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
Proverbs 11:25 – “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Matthew 16:24 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
1 John 3:17 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
Hebrews 13:16 – “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you.”
1 Peter 4:10 – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…”
Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”
John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
Isaiah 58:10 – “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed…”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another…”
Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
1 Corinthians 13:5 – “Love… is not self-seeking…”
Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens…”
Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Matthew 6:1-4 – “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.”
Luke 12:15 – “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed…”
Job 22:9 – “You sent widows away empty-handed and broke the strength of the fatherless.”
Jeremiah 22:17 – “But your eyes and your heart are set only on dishonest gain…”
Proverbs 21:10 – “The wicked crave evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.”
Isaiah 56:11 – “They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough…”
Micah 2:1-2 – “Woe to those who plan iniquity… They covet fields and seize them…”
Zechariah 7:10 – “Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless…”
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “Do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.”
Matthew 25:42-43 – “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat…”
James 2:15-17 – “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food…”
1 Thessalonians 5:15 – “Always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
Ephesians 4:28 – “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer… that they may have something to share with those in need.”

Conclusion

These Bible verses about selfishness serve as a strong reminder to shift our focus from ourselves to others. Living for God means living with open hands and hearts, ready to serve and give. The world may glorify selfish ambition, but God’s Word calls us to live differently.

As you reflect on these scriptures, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life where selfishness may be hiding. Repent, seek His help, and start practicing generosity, humility, and love daily.

Let these bible verses about selfishness guide your prayer, change your attitude, and bring you closer to the heart of Christ.