40+Bible Verses About Selfishness/Guide [2024]

“Selfishness can lead us away from true fulfillment.”

Selfishness is a common struggle in our lives. We often find ourselves putting our needs and desires above others, leading to feelings of emptiness and disconnection. The Bible provides wisdom and guidance on how to overcome this self-centeredness. Through the teachings of scripture, we can learn the importance of selflessness, compassion, and love for others.

This article will explore 45 Bible verses that address selfishness, offering insights on how to combat this tendency and grow in our faith. Let’s dive into the scriptures that encourage us to live with a heart of generosity and kindness.

1. Philippians 2:3-4

Selfish ambition leads to division and discord within communities.

Scripture:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
— Philippians 2:3-4

Prayer:
Lord, help me to place others before myself. Teach me to value humility and to consider the needs of those around me. Amen.

2. James 3:16

Selfishness brings disorder and chaos.

Scripture:
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
— James 3:16

Prayer:
God, help me to recognize the chaos that selfishness brings. May I strive for peace and order through selflessness. Amen.

3. Galatians 5:19-21

The acts of the flesh contrast with the fruit of the Spirit.

Scripture:
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.”
— Galatians 5:19-21

Prayer:
Lord, cleanse my heart of any selfish desires. Fill me with the fruit of the Spirit instead. Amen.

4. 1 John 3:17

True compassion compels us to act and support those in need.

Scripture:
“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?”
— 1 John 3:17

Prayer:
God, open my eyes to those in need. Help me to show Your love through my actions. Amen.

5. Proverbs 11:25

Generosity brings blessings to both the giver and the receiver.

Scripture:
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
— Proverbs 11:25

Prayer:
Lord, help me to be generous with my resources. May my actions bring refreshment to those around me. Amen.

6. Luke 6:38

What we give to others returns to us in various ways.

Scripture:
“Give, and it will be given to you: a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
— Luke 6:38

Prayer:
God, help me to give freely, knowing that You will bless my efforts. Teach me to be generous without expecting anything in return. Amen.

7. Matthew 7:12

The Golden Rule encourages us to treat others well.

Scripture:
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
— Matthew 7:12

Prayer:
Lord, remind me to treat others with the kindness I wish to receive. Help me to live by this rule daily. Amen.

8. Romans 12:10

We are called to honor one another above ourselves.

Scripture:
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
— Romans 12:10

Prayer:
God, teach me to honor and respect those around me. Help me to express my love through my actions. Amen.

9. 1 Peter 5:2-3

Leaders are encouraged to serve selflessly.

Scripture:
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
— 1 Peter 5:2-3

Prayer:
Lord, help me to lead with a servant’s heart. Teach me to care for others selflessly and with love. Amen.

10. Matthew 20:26-28

Greatness in God’s kingdom comes through serving others.

Scripture:
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
— Matthew 20:26-28

Prayer:
God, teach me the true meaning of greatness through service. Help me to follow the example of Jesus in my life. Amen.

11. Galatians 6:2

We are called to bear one another’s burdens.

Scripture:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2

Prayer:
Lord, help me to support those who are struggling. May I be a source of strength for my brothers and sisters. Amen.

12. Matthew 5:14-16

Let your light shine for others to see and glorify God.

Scripture:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:14-16

Prayer:
God, help me to shine Your light in the world. May my actions point others to You. Amen.

13. 1 Corinthians 10:24

We are encouraged to seek the good of others.

Scripture:
“No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:24

Prayer:
Lord, help me to prioritize the needs of others. Teach me to seek their good in all I do. Amen.

14. Ephesians 4:32

We are called to be kind and forgiving.

Scripture:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
— Ephesians 4:32

Prayer:
God, help me to be kind and forgiving. May my heart be filled with compassion for those around me. Amen.

15. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

God loves a cheerful giver.

Scripture:
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Prayer:
Lord, teach me to give cheerfully and generously. Help me to find joy in sharing what You have given me. Amen.

16. Isaiah 58:10

True fasting involves caring for others.

Scripture:
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”
— Isaiah 58:10

Prayer:
God, help me to reach out to those in need. May my actions reflect Your love and compassion. Amen.

17. Matthew 6:19-21

Investing in heavenly treasures leads to a lasting impact.

Scripture:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
— Matthew 6:19-21

Prayer:
Lord, help me to focus on heavenly treasures rather than earthly possessions. Teach me to invest in what truly matters. Amen.

18. Luke 12:15

Beware of all kinds of greed.

Scripture:
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'”
— Luke 12:15

Prayer:
God, protect me from greed and selfishness. Help me to find contentment in what I have. Amen.

19. Acts 20:35

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Scripture:
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
— Acts 20:35

Prayer:
Lord, remind me of the blessings that come from giving. Help me to be generous and supportive of those in need. Amen.

20. Romans 15:1

We should bear the weaknesses of others.

Scripture:
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
— Romans 15:1

Prayer:
God, help me to support those who are struggling. Teach me to be patient and understanding. Amen.

21. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

True wealth comes from doing good and sharing with others.

Scripture:
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
— 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Prayer:
Lord, help me to use my resources wisely and generously. May I always be willing to share with others. Amen.

22. Colossians 3:23-24

We are encouraged to work heartily for the Lord.

Scripture:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”
— Colossians 3:23-24

Prayer:
God, help me to work wholeheartedly for You. May my efforts reflect my love for others. Amen.

23. Mark 10:43-45

Serving others reflects Christ’s example.

Scripture:
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
— Mark 10:43-45

Prayer:
Lord, teach me to serve others with joy. Help me to follow Your example of selflessness. Amen.

24. John 13:14-15

Jesus washed His disciples’ feet as an example of service.

Scripture:
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
— John 13:14-15

Prayer:
God, inspire me to serve others as Jesus did. May I humble myself to help those around me. Amen.

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25. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Encouraging one another is a vital part of community.

Scripture:
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Prayer:
Lord, help me to be an encourager. May my words uplift and inspire others. Amen.

26. Hebrews 13:16

Doing good and sharing with others is pleasing to God.

Scripture:
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
— Hebrews 13:16

Prayer:
God, help me to remember the importance of doing good and sharing. May my actions please You. Amen.

27. Matthew 10:42

Even small acts of kindness matter.

Scripture:
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
— Matthew 10:42

Prayer:
Lord, remind me that no act of kindness is too small. Help me to serve others in every way I can. Amen.

28. Ephesians 2:8-10

We are saved by grace to do good works.

Scripture:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
— Ephesians 2:8-10

Prayer:
God, thank You for Your grace. Help me to live out the good works You have prepared for me. Amen.

29. Philippians 1:27

Unity is vital in the body of Christ.

Scripture:
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
— Philippians 1:27

Prayer:
Lord, help me to contribute to unity in the church. May we stand together in faith and love. Amen.

30. 1 John 4:20-21

Our love for God should reflect in our love for others.

Scripture:
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
— 1 John 4:20-21

Prayer:
God, help me to love others as You love me. May my actions reflect my love for You. Amen.

31. Luke 14:12-14

Invite those who cannot repay you.

Scripture:
“Then Jesus said to his host: ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or your sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors. If you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite people with low-income, the is physically disabled, the lousy, and the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'”
— Luke 14:12-14

Prayer:
Lord, help me to reach out to those who need kindness. May my heart be open to serving others without expectation. Amen.

32. Proverbs 19:17

Helping people with low-income is like lending to the Lord.

Scripture:
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
— Proverbs 19:17

Prayer:
God, give me a heart for the needy. May my generosity reflect my love for You. Amen.

33. Luke 10:25-37

The Good Samaritan exemplifies selflessness.

Scripture:
“The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.'”
— Luke 10:25-37

Prayer:
Lord, help me to show mercy and kindness like the Good Samaritan. May I be willing to help others in need. Amen.

34. Matthew 25:40

Whatever we do for the least of our brothers, we do for Christ.

Scripture:
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
— Matthew 25:40

Prayer:
God, remind me that my service to others is a reflection of my love for You. Help me to serve the least among us. Amen.

35. 2 Corinthians 8:13-14

Equity in giving ensures that everyone is supported.

Scripture:
“Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality.”
— 2 Corinthians 8:13-14

Prayer:
Lord, help me to give generously so that all may have enough. Teach me the importance of equity in my giving. Amen.

36. Acts 4:32

The early church shared everything they had.

Scripture:
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”
— Acts 4:32

Prayer:
God, inspire me to be part of a community that shares and supports one another. May I contribute to unity and love among believers. Amen.

37. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Love is not self-seeking.

Scripture:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Prayer:
Lord, fill my heart with love. Help me to love others without seeking anything in return. Amen.

38. Matthew 6:1-2

Giving should be done in secret, not for show.

Scripture:
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.”
— Matthew 6:1-2

Prayer:
God, teach me to give humbly and without seeking recognition. May my heart be pure in my actions. Amen.

39. Galatians 6:2

We are called to bear each other’s burdens.

Scripture:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2

Prayer:
Lord, help me to support those who are struggling. Teach me to share the burdens of others with love. Amen.

40. Ephesians 4:28

Work hard and share with those in need.

Scripture:
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
— Ephesians 4:28

Prayer:
God, help me to work diligently and use my resources to help others. May I find joy in sharing. Amen.

41. Matthew 12:36-37

We will be held accountable for our words.

Scripture:
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned.”
— Matthew 12:36-37

Prayer:
Lord, guard my tongue and help me speak words that encourage and uplift. May my words reflect Your love. Amen.

42. Proverbs 21:13

Ignoring the cries of the poor leads to trouble.

Scripture:
“Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of people with low-income will also cry out and not be answered.”
— Proverbs 21:13

Prayer:
God, open my ears to the cries of those in need. Help me to respond with compassion and action. Amen.

43. Luke 6:31

Treat others as you want to be treated.

Scripture:
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
— Luke 6:31

Prayer:
Lord, help me to treat others with kindness and respect. May my actions reflect the love I wish to receive. Amen.

44. Romans 12:10

We are called to honor one another above ourselves.

Scripture:
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
— Romans 12:10

Prayer:
God, teach me to value others and put their needs before my own. May I cultivate a spirit of honor and respect. Amen.

45. Isaiah 58:6-7

True fasting includes helping those in need.

Scripture:
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
— Isaiah 58:6-7

Prayer:
Lord, may my acts of service reflect true worship. Help me to care for those in need with compassion. Amen.

Answers to Key Questions  Bible Verses About Selfishness

1. What is selfishness in a biblical context?
Selfishness in a biblical context is the focus on one’s own desires and interests above others, often leading to neglect of communal responsibility and love.

2. How can I recognize selfishness in my life?
Recognizing selfishness involves self-reflection on how your actions affect others. If you consistently prioritize your needs over those of others, it may indicate selfishness.

3. What does the Bible say about helping others?
The Bible encourages helping others, stating that true love and kindness reflect Christ’s teachings. Acts of service are vital in expressing our faith.

4. How can prayer help combat selfishness?
Prayer can help combat selfishness by asking God for guidance, strength, and compassion. It fosters a heart that desires to serve others.

5. Can one overcome selfishness?
Yes, one can overcome selfishness through prayer, self-reflection, and actively practicing acts of kindness and generosity.

6. Why is overcoming selfishness important?
Overcoming selfishness is crucial for building healthy relationships, fostering community, and reflecting Christ’s love to the world.

Conclusion

Overcoming selfishness requires dedication and a heart aligned with God’s teachings. By embracing the lessons found in the Bible, we can cultivate a spirit of selflessness and generosity.

This journey not only benefits those around us but also enriches our own lives with joy and fulfillment. As we strive to follow the example of Christ, let us remember that true happiness comes from loving and serving others. May we take these scriptures to heart, allowing them to transform our minds and actions for the better.