Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8700 Threats to the life of faith » 8827 selfishness
A self-centred concern for oneself, without due regard to the needs of others. Scripture treats selfishness as an aspect of sin and urges believers to care for others as well as themselves.
Selfishness is a characteristic of the sinner
Romans 8:5; 2 Corinthians 5:15 See also Proverbs 18:1; Romans 2:8; Ephesians 2:3
Selfishness is a characteristic of sinful society
2 Timothy 3:1-2 See also Judges 17:6; Judges 21:25
Expressions of selfishness
Greed
Matthew 23:25 See also Mark 12:7; Luke 12:13-21; Acts 5:3
Ambition
Philippians 2:3 See also Jeremiah 45:5; Galatians 5:19-20; Philippians 1:17; James 3:14-16
Boastfulness
Daniel 4:30
Examples of selfishness
See also
Genesis 11:4 the builders of the tower of Babel; Genesis 13:10-11 Lot in his choice of territory; Ezekiel 28:2-5 the king of Tyre; Ezekiel 34:8 Israel's leaders; Mark 10:35 James and John
Self-absorption as the result of pain or depression
Job 14:22; 1 Kings 19:10
Antidotes to selfishness
God's word
Psalm 119:36
The example of Jesus Christ
Romans 15:3 See also Philippians 2:4-8
Dying to the old nature
Romans 6:6 See also Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9
Serving one another
1 Peter 4:10 See also 1 Corinthians 10:24
Loving one another
John 13:34 See also Matthew 22:39; Romans 13:8-10
4030 world, behaviour in 5503 rich, the 5558 storing 5786 ambition, negative 5869 greed 6121 boasting 6133 coveting 6166 flesh, sinful nature 8356 unselfishness 8802 pride 8821 self-indulgence 8821 self-indulgence
