30+Bible Verses About Narcissism (2025)

“Biblical wisdom addresses self-centeredness and guides us toward humility and genuine love.”

Narcissism, characterized by excessive self-focus and a lack of empathy for others, can deeply impact relationships and personal growth. The Bible provides profound insights into this issue, offering guidance on overcoming self-centered behavior and fostering a heart of humility and service.

By examining Scripture, we can learn how to combat narcissistic tendencies and cultivate a more compassionate and selfless way of living.

In this post, we explore various Bible verses that address narcissism and self-centeredness. These Scriptures not only highlight the pitfalls of narcissistic behavior but also offer practical advice on developing a heart aligned with God’s values.

Through understanding these verses, we can gain valuable insights into overcoming self-focus and growing in love and humility.

Table of Contents

Bible Verses About Narcissism and Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse

Narcissism is a form of pride, selfishness, and lack of empathy, which the Bible warns against. When dealing with narcissistic abuse, whether from parents, partners, or others, Scripture provides wisdom, comfort, and guidance. God does not want His children to suffer under manipulation and control but calls them to seek truth, healing, and protection.

1. Psalm 34:18 (KJV)

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

2. 2 Timothy 3:1-2 (KJV)

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.”

3. Proverbs 29:25 (KJV)

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”

4. Romans 12:19 (KJV)

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

Bible Verses About Narcissistic Parents

Some parents manipulate, control, and abuse their authority. The Bible commands honor toward parents but does not support abuse or oppression.

5. Ephesians 6:4 (KJV)

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

6. Colossians 3:21 (KJV)

“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”

7. Proverbs 22:24-25 (KJV)

“Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.”

Why Did God Send Me a Narcissist? (Bible Explanation)

God allows challenges, including narcissistic relationships, for reasons that may include:

Spiritual growth and dependence on Him (James 1:2-4).
Learning to set boundaries and seek wisdom (Proverbs 4:7).
Strengthening faith through trials (Romans 5:3-5).
God does not desire abuse but calls His people to wisely handle difficult people.

What Does the Bible Say About Narcissism? (KJV)

The Bible warns against pride, arrogance, and self-centeredness, which define narcissism.

8. Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”

9. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (KJV)

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

Casting Out the Spirit of Narcissism (Bible Verse & Guidance)

Narcissism is linked to spiritual blindness and pride, which must be confronted through prayer, wisdom, and the power of God.

10. James 4:7 (KJV)

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

How Will God Judge a Narcissist?

God will judge narcissists according to their pride, deception, and mistreatment of others (Matthew 7:21-23). Those who refuse to repent will face justice, but God offers mercy to those who turn to Him.

Recognizing Self-Centeredness

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.”
2 Timothy 3:2 – “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.”
Proverbs 18:1 – “An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.”
Galatians 5:26 – “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”

Cultivating Humility

Matthew 23:12 – “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
1 Peter 5:5 – “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”
Proverbs 22:4 – “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Philippians 2:5 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Fostering Genuine Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – “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.”
Romans 13:10 – “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
1 John 4:7 – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
Galatians 5:13 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
John 15:12 – “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Avoiding Envy and Boasting

Proverbs 14:30 – “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
1 Corinthians 4:7 – “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”
James 4:2-3 – “You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
Proverbs 27:2 – “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”
Galatians 5:19-21 – “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.”
Psalm 37:1-2 – “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.”

Bible Verses About Prostitution!

Embracing Service Over Self-Interest

Mark 10:44-45 – “and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Galatians 5:13 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
John 13:14-15 – “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.”
Philippians 2:7 – “Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Acts 20:35 – “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.’”

Repenting and Renewing the Heart

Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Ezekiel 18:31 – “Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel?”
Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 – “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Seeking God’s Strength and Guidance

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

How can I overcome narcissistic tendencies according to the Bible?

Answer: Overcoming narcissistic tendencies involves a multi-faceted approach guided by biblical principles. Key steps include cultivating humility, embracing genuine love, avoiding envy and boasting, serving others selflessly, repenting for past mistakes, and seeking God’s strength and guidance.

By reflecting on Bible verses related to these areas and applying their teachings, one can transform self-centered behavior into a life characterized by compassion, integrity, and service.

ANSWRES TO KEY QUESTIONS

1. What does the Bible say about self-centeredness?

The Bible warns against self-centeredness, highlighting it as a negative trait that leads to discord and evil practices (James 3:16, Proverbs 18:1). It encourages humility and valuing others above oneself (Philippians 2:3).

2. How can humility help overcome narcissistic behavior?

Humility helps overcome narcissistic behavior by shifting the focus from oneself to others. Biblical humility involves recognizing others’ worth and serving them selflessly (Philippians 2:7, Matthew 23:12).

3. What role does genuine love play in addressing narcissism?

Genuine love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, involves selflessness, patience, and kindness. Embracing this kind of love counters narcissistic behavior by prioritizing others’ needs and fostering a more compassionate approach.

4. How can repentance contribute to personal growth?

Repentance involves acknowledging past mistakes and seeking God’s forgiveness and transformation (Psalm 51:10, Acts 3:19). It helps individuals align their behavior with biblical teachings and grow in humility and selflessness.

5. What is the significance of seeking God’s strength in overcoming self-centeredness?

Seeking God’s strength is crucial because it provides the necessary support and power to change personal behavior and attitudes (Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 41:10). Relying on God helps individuals overcome narcissistic tendencies and embrace a more humble and compassionate way of living.

Conclusion

Addressing narcissism through a biblical lens involves a journey of transformation guided by Scripture. By understanding and applying Bible verses about humility, love, service, and repentance, we can overcome self-centered tendencies and cultivate a heart that honors God.

Embracing these teachings not only leads to personal growth but also enhances our relationships and reflects God’s love to others. Let these verses inspire and guide you toward a life of genuine humility and compassion.