Does the Bible say anything about narcissism?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The English word narcissism is derived from the Greek word narkissos , which has its origins in Greek mythology; it is the name of a Greek god, Narcissus. The characteristics associated with narcissism are an inflated sense of self, extreme selfishness, and a craving for admiration. It is often associated closely with one's physical appearance or public persona. Additionally, narcissism is related to vanity, which is excessive pride, and egoism, which is the belief that the center of morality is self-interest. English translations of the Bible may not mention the word "narcissism" often, but the Bible speaks regularly of the idea and behavior associated with it—selfishness and pride—and their opposites—humility and thanksgiving.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• We are called to seek the good of others (Proverbs 11:25) and not our own gain (Psalm 119:36).
• The psalmist speaks against the pride inherent within narcissism: "In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, 'There is no God'" (Psalm 10:4).
• There is a certain kind of pride inherent within narcissism, one that breeds contempt for God, and this is the pride that God hates (Proverbs 8:13).
• Proverbs 16:5 cautions, "Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished."
• God warns us against pride and narcissism because He is a good Father who knows what is good for us, and He wants to protect us from ourselves. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud" (Proverbs 16:18–19).
• We are called "to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with [our] God" (Micah 6:8). Living like this is the exact opposite of living like a narcissist.
• Perhaps the greatest way to avoid the self-interest that leaves no room for God and for others is to express our gratitude to God. Numerous times in the Bible we are encouraged to do exactly this: "Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" (Psalm 106:1). We are also called to "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" (Psalm 100:4).
• God is gracious. He has given us food (Genesis 1:29–30); He provides us our abilities, our wisdom, and craftsmanship (Exodus 31:3); and He gives us life itself (Job 10:12; 33:4). We should not take these things for granted but be thankful.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• When Jesus was asked, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 22:37–40). How we treat God and others matters immensely.
• God finds selfishness to be foolish (Luke 12:13–21).
• We are told to "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). There is no room for narcissism with this command.
• The New Testament confirms that we are to seek the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:24; Romans 15:2), not our own gain (Mark 8:34).
• We should not think of ourselves better than we actually are (Romans 12:3, 16; Mathew 23:10–12; Philippians 2:5–8).
• This is the way God calls us to live: "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive" (Colossians 3:12–13).
• We are to walk "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2).
• We are told to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
• God provides for all we need (Philippians 4:19).
• More than providing for our physical needs, God provided the way for us to be forgiven of our sins and to be in relationship with Him through Jesus Christ: "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32). We have much for which to thank God!

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

By making gratitude and serving others a regular part of our lives, we will no longer see ourselves as the source of all that is good, nor will we believe that we are the center of our own lives or morality. By the grace of God, we will overcome the lie of narcissism that tells us that we are the center of our own universe. Narcissism creates a dry and weary land where we only praise ourselves and where we will not survive. We would do well to take to heart the words of David in Psalm 63:1–4, "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands."

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible denounces arrogance and self-centeredness.
• The Bible calls us to live humbly and to love others.
• Jesus teaches that loving God and our neighbors is fundamental, contrasting sharply with narcissistic behavior.

REFLECT

• In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to prioritize others over yourself, and how can you address this?
• How can expressing gratitude to God and others help combat tendencies toward narcissism in your life?
• What habits or specific actions help you choose humility over pride in your life?

ENGAGE

• How do the teachings of Jesus about loving God and our neighbors challenge the cultural norms of self-promotion and individualism today?
• What practical steps can we take to cultivate an environment that values humility and service over self-centeredness?
• In light of the Biblical teachings on narcissism, how can we help others who may be struggling with self-centered behaviors find healing and transformation?