40 Bible Verses about Selfishness

Most Relevant Verses

Philippians 2:3-4

Nothing by way of faction, nothing by way of vain-glory, - but, in lowliness of mind, accounting, one another, superior to yourselves, - Not, to your own things, severally looking, but, to the things of others, severally: -

Proverbs 18:1

A man seeketh, for satisfaction, going his own way, through all safe counsel, he breaketh.

Romans 2:8

Unto them, on the other hand, who are of contention, and are not yielding unto the truth, but are yielding unto unrighteousness, anger and wrath,

2 Timothy 3:1-2

But, of this, be taking note - that, in last days, there will set in perilous seasons; For men will be - fond of themselves, fond of money, ostentatious, arrogant, defamers, to parents, unyielding, unthankful, unkind,

Judges 17:6

In those days, there was no king in Israel, - every man did, that which was right in his own eyes.

Mark 12:7

But, those husbandmen, unto themselves, said - This, is the heir: Come! let us slay him, and, ours, shall be, the inheritance.

Luke 12:13-21

And one from amongst the multitude said unto him - Teacher! bid my brother divide with me the inheritance. But, he, said unto him - Man! who hath appointed me a judge or divider over you? And he said unto them - Mind and be guarding yourselves from all covetousness; for not, in one's abundance, doth his life spring out of his possessions.read more.
And he spake a parable unto them, saying - A certain rich man's estate, bare well. And he began to deliberate within himself, saying - What shall I do? because I have not where I can gather my fruits. And he said - This, will I do, - I will pull down my barns, and, greater ones, build, and gather, there, all my wheat and good things; and will say to my soul - Soul! thou hast many good things lying by for many years: be taking thy rest, eat, drink,be making merry! But God said unto him - Simple one! on this very night, they are asking, thy soul, from thee; The things, then, which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be? So, is he that is laying up treasure for himself, and is not rich, towards God.

Jeremiah 45:5

Wouldst, thou, then seek to secure for thyself great things? Do not seek! For behold me! bringing in calamity upon all flesh, Declareth Yahweh, Nevertheless I will give thee thine own life as a spoil, in all places whithersoever thou goest.

Galatians 5:19-20

Manifest, however, are the works of the flesh, which, indeed, are - fornication, impurity, wantonness, idolatry, enchantment, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of wrath, factions, divisions, parties,

Philippians 1:17

But, those, out of faction, are declaring, the Christ, not purely - supposing to rouse up, tribulation, with my bonds.

James 3:14-16

But, if, bitter jealousy, ye have, and rivalry, in your hearts; be not boasting and showing yourselves false against the truth! This wisdom is not one, from above, coming down, but is earthly, born of the soul, demoniacal! For, where jealousy and rivalry are, there, are anarchy and every ignoble deed.

Daniel 4:30

the king spake and said, Is not, this, Babylon the great, - which, I myself, have built as the home of the kingdom, by the might of my power, and for the dignity of my majesty?

Genesis 13:10-11

So Lot lifted up his eyes and beheld all the circuit of the Jordan, that the whole of it, was well-watered, - before Yahweh destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the Garden of Yahweh, like the land of Egypt, as thou enterest into Zoar. And Lot chose for himself all the circuit of the Jordan, so Lot brake up eastwards, - and they separated themselves, each man from his brother:

Ezekiel 28:2-5

Son of man Say to the Prince of Tyre. Thus, saith My Lord. Yahweh - Because lofty, is thy heart and thou hast said A GOD, am I, In the seat of God, have I taken my seat In the heart of the seas; Whereas thou art a man, and not a GOD, But hast set thy heart as the heart of God: Lo! wiser, thou than Daniel, - No secret, have they hidden from thee: In thy wisdom and in thine understanding, hast thou gotten thee wealth, - And hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasuries:read more.
By the greatness of thy wisdom and by thy traffic, hast thou multiplied thy riches, -And thy heart hath become lofty in thy riches:

Ezekiel 34:8

As I live, - Declareth My Lord Yahweh, Surely because my flock became a prey. And my flock became food for every wild beast of the field, through having no shepherd, Neither did my shepherds inquire after the flock, - But the shepherds tended themselves. And my flock, they tended not

Mark 10:35

And there come near unto him, James and John, the twosons of Zebedee, - saying unto him - Teacher! we desire, that, whatsoever we shall ask thee, thou wilt do for us.

Job 14:22

But, his flesh, for himself, is in pain, and, his soul, for himself, doth mourn.

1 Kings 19:10

And he said - Very jealous, have I been, for Yahweh, God of hosts, because the sons of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thine altars, have they thrown down, thy prophets, also have they slain with the sword, - and, I alone, am left, and they have sought my life, to take it.

Psalm 119:36

Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not unto unjust gain.

Romans 15:3

For, even the Christ, not unto himself gave pleasure, but, even as it is written - The reproaches of them that we reproaching thee, fell upon me:

Philippians 2:4-8

Not, to your own things, severally looking, but, to the things of others, severally: - The same thing, esteem, in yourselves, which also, in Christ Jesus, ye esteem , - Who, in form of God, subsisting, not, a thing to be seized, accounted the being equal with God,read more.
But, himself, emptied, taking, a servant's form, coming to be, in men's likeness; And, in fashion, being found, as a man, humbled himself, becoming obedient as far as death, yea, death upon a cross.

Romans 13:8-10

Nothing to any, be owing - save to be loving one another; for, he that loveth his neighbour, hath given to, law, its fulfillment. For, this - Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shall not commit murder, Thou shall not steal, Thou shall not covet, and if there is any different commandment, in this word, is summed up, namely- Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love, unto ones neighbour, worketh not ill; Law's fullness, therefore, is, love.

From Thematic Bible


Inconsistency » General marks of » Selfishness

James 2:15-16

If, a brother or sister, should be naked, and coming short of the daily food, And one from among you should say unto them - Withdraw in peace, be getting warmed and fed, but should not give them the things needful for the body, What the profit?

Religion » Inconsistency in religious life general marks of » Selfishness

James 2:15-16

If, a brother or sister, should be naked, and coming short of the daily food, And one from among you should say unto them - Withdraw in peace, be getting warmed and fed, but should not give them the things needful for the body, What the profit?

Selfishness » Different forms of » Total disregard of the rights of others

Ezekiel 34:18

Is it too small a thing for you that on the good pasture, ye feed, But the remainder of your pastures, ye must also trample down with your feet? Or that of the pure waters, ye drink But the waters left remaining - with your feet, ye must needs foul?

Hosea 10:1

A luxuriant vine, is Israel, fruit, beseemeth him, - According to the abundance of his fruit, hath he brought abundance to the altars, according to the goodliness of his land, hath he made goodly statues.

Habakkuk 2:6

Shall not, these, all of them, against him, take up - a taunt, a mocking poem, enigmatical sentences - concerning him? And say - Alas! for him who maketh abundance in what is not his own, How long? that he should be burdening himself with heavy debts?

Zechariah 7:6

And, when ye used to eat and when ye used to drink, was it not, of your own accord, ye did eat, and, of your own accord, ye did drink?

Selfishness » Examples of » Cain's cold-blooded words concerning abel

Exodus 2:17

Then came the shepherds, and drave them away, - so Moses rose up, and succoured them, and watered their flock,

Numbers 20:21

Thus did Edom refuse to give Israel passage through his boundary, - and Israel turned away from him.

Judges 8:6

And the princes of Succoth said, Are the palms of the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in thy power, - that we should give to thine army bread?

Selfishness » Examples of » The priest and levite carelessly pass by the wounded man

Luke 10:31-32

And, by chance, a certain priest, was coming down by that road, and, seeing him, passed by, on the opposite side. And, in like manner, a Levite also, coming down to the place, and seeing him, passed by, on the opposite side.

Philippians 2:21

For, they all, their own things, do seek, not the things of Christ Jesus;

Selfishness » Different forms of » Heartless indifference toward sinners

Matthew 27:3-4

Then, Judas who had delivered him up, seeing that he was condemned, being smitten with remorse, returned the thirty pieces of silver unto the High-priests and Elders, saying - I have sinned, in delivering up righteous blood. But, they, said - What is that to us? thou, shalt see to it for thyself.

Selfishness » Ministers should be devoid of

1 Corinthians 10:33

Even as, I also, in all things do please all, not seeking my own profit, but that of the many, that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

For, though free from all, unto all, myself, I enslaved, - that, the larger number, I might win: Therefore became I, to the Jews, as, a Jew, - that, Jews, I might win; to them who were under law, as, under law, not being, myself, under law, - that, them who were under law, I might win; To them who were without law, as, without law, - not being without law to God, but lawfully subject to Christ, - that I might win them who were without law. read more.
I became, unto the weak, weak, - that, the weak, I might win; - to all men, have I become all things, that, by all means, some, I might save. But, all things, am I doing, for the sake of the glad-message, that a joint-partaker thereof, I may become.

Selfishness » The example of Christ condemns

Romans 15:3

For, even the Christ, not unto himself gave pleasure, but, even as it is written - The reproaches of them that we reproaching thee, fell upon me:

Selfishness » Contrary to the law of God

Selfishness » Examples of » Haman's selfish conceit

Matthew 23:4

But they bind together heavy burdens, and lay upon men's shoulders, whereas, they, with their finger, are not willing to move them.

Isaiah 56:11

And, the dogs, are greedy they know not to be satisfied. Yea, they, are shepherds who know not to discern, - All of them unto their own way, have turned, Every man to his unjust gain, on every hand:

Esther 6:6

So Haman came in, and the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man in whose honour, the king delighteth? Then said Haman, in his own heart, Unto whom will the king delight to do honour, more than unto me?

Selfishness » Exhibited in » Seeking our own

1 Corinthians 10:33

Even as, I also, in all things do please all, not seeking my own profit, but that of the many, that they may be saved.

Philippians 2:21

For, they all, their own things, do seek, not the things of Christ Jesus;

Selfishness » Inconsistent with communion of saints

Romans 12:4-5

For, just as in one body we have many members, yet, all the members, have not the same office, So, we, the many, are one body in Christ, yet, severally, members one of another.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

For, just as, the body, is one, and yet hath many members, but, all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so, also, the Christ; - For, even to one Spirit, we all, into one body, have been immersed, - whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free, - and, all, of one Spirit, have been caused to drink. For, the body also, is not one member, but many: read more.
Though the foot should say - Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body, Is it, therefore, not, of the body? And, though the ear should say - Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body, Is it, therefore, not, of the body? If, the whole body, were, an eye, where were the hearing? If, the whole were, hearing, where were, the smelling? But, now, hath God set the members, each one of them in the body, even as he pleased. But, if they all had been one member, Where had been, the body? Now, however there are many members, yet one body; Andthe eye cannot say unto the hand - I have no need of thee, - nor, again, the head, unto the feet - I have no need of you: - Nay! much more, the members which seem to be weaker are necessary, And, the parts of the body which we deem to be less honourable, on these, more abundant honour, do we bestow, and, our uncomely parts, have, more abundant comeliness, Whereas, our comely parts, have, no need. But, God, hath tempered the body together, - unto that which was lacking, giving more abundant honour; - That there might be no division in the body, but that the members might have, the same, care, one for another; And, whether one member, suffereth, all the members, suffer with it, or, a member is glorified, all the members, rejoice together. Now, ye, are the body of Christ, and members severally; -

Selfishness » Especially forbidden to saints

Selfishness » All men addicted to

Philippians 2:21

For, they all, their own things, do seek, not the things of Christ Jesus;

Selfishness » Different forms of » Hoarding foodstuff

Proverbs 11:26

He that keepeth back corn, the populace will curse him, but there is, a blessing, for the head of him that selleth.

Proverbs 24:11

Deliver thou such as are being led forth to death, and, them who are tottering to slaughter, oh that thou wouldst hold back!

Selfishness » Exemplified » Nabal

1 Samuel 25:3

Now, the name of the man, was Nabal, and, the name of his wife, Abigail, - and, the woman, was of good understanding, and of beautiful figure, - but, the man, was unfeeling and of evil practices, and he was a Calebite.

1 Samuel 25:11

Shall I, then, take my bread, and my wine, and my slain beasts, that I have slaughtered for my shearers, - and give unto men of whom I know not whence they are?

Selfishness » The love of Christ should constrain us to avoid

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

For, the love of the Christ, constraineth us; - Having judged this, - that, one, in behalf of all, died, hence, they all, died; and, in behalf of all, died he, - in order that, they who live, no longer for themselves, should live, but for him who, in their behalf, died and rose again.

Selfishness » Exhibited in » Living to ourselves

Selfishness » Inconsistent with » Christian love

1 Corinthians 13:5

Acteth not unbecomingly, seeketh not her own things, is not easily provoked, imputeth not that which is base,

Selfishness » Characteristic of the last days

2 Timothy 3:1-2

But, of this, be taking note - that, in last days, there will set in perilous seasons; For men will be - fond of themselves, fond of money, ostentatious, arrogant, defamers, to parents, unyielding, unthankful, unkind,

Selfishness » Examples of » Nabal refuses food to david

1 Samuel 25:11

Shall I, then, take my bread, and my wine, and my slain beasts, that I have slaughtered for my shearers, - and give unto men of whom I know not whence they are?

Selfishness » Different forms of » Neglect of the needy and suffering

Matthew 25:43

A stranger, was I, and ye took me not home, naked, and ye clothed me not, sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Selfishness » Exhibited in » Being lovers of ourselves

Selfishness » Exhibited in » Seeking undue precedence

Matthew 20:21

And, he, said to her - What desirest thou? She saith unto him - Bid, that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left, in thy kingdom.

Selfishness » Exemplified » Jews

Zechariah 7:6

And, when ye used to eat and when ye used to drink, was it not, of your own accord, ye did eat, and, of your own accord, ye did drink?

Selfishness » Exhibited in » Serving God for reward

Malachi 1:10

Who is there, even among you, that will shut the doors, so as not to set light to mine altar, for nothing? I can take no pleasure in you, saith Yahweh of hosts, and, your present, can I not accept at your hand.

Selfishness » Exhibited in » Seeking after gain

Isaiah 56:11

And, the dogs, are greedy they know not to be satisfied. Yea, they, are shepherds who know not to discern, - All of them unto their own way, have turned, Every man to his unjust gain, on every hand:

Selfishness » God hates

Malachi 1:10

Who is there, even among you, that will shut the doors, so as not to set light to mine altar, for nothing? I can take no pleasure in you, saith Yahweh of hosts, and, your present, can I not accept at your hand.

Selfishness » Exhibited in » Neglect of the poor

Selfishness » Exhibited in » Pleasing ourselves

Selfishness » Exemplified » Cain

Selfishness » Different forms of » Greed for real estate

Selfishness » Exhibited in » Performing duty for reward

Micah 3:11

Her heads, for a bribe, pronounce sentence, and, her priests, for a price, give direction, and, her prophets, for silver, divine, - yet, on Yahweh, they lean, saying, Is not, Yahweh, in our midst? there shall not come upon us, calamity.

Selfishness » Exemplified » James and john

Mark 10:37

And, they, said unto him - Grant us, that, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left, we may sit, in thy glory.

Selfishness » Exemplified » Haman

Esther 6:6

So Haman came in, and the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man in whose honour, the king delighteth? Then said Haman, in his own heart, Unto whom will the king delight to do honour, more than unto me?

Selfishness » Examples of » James and john seek the best places

Mark 10:37

And, they, said unto him - Grant us, that, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left, we may sit, in thy glory.

Selfishness » Saints falsely accused of

Job 1:9-11

And the accuser answered Yahweh, and said, Is it, for nought, that Job revereth God? Hast not, thou thyself, made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side? The work of his hands, thou hast blessed, and, his substance, hath broken forth in the land. But, in very deed, put forth, I pray thee, thy hand, and smite all that he hath, - verily, unto thy face, will he curse thee.

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Theasaurus: Selfishness