S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Selfishness is that attitude of being concerned with one's own interests above the interests of others. However, the Bible commands us to "do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with hum...

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July 01 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

D. M. Supporter Writer, Entrepreneur, IT Specialist

Selfishness is an attitude that builds on being self-centered. It takes away the room for humility, and even when exposed it does not bow down to the salvation present. It draws us to find comfort in self flattery, and to disregard what God expects of us. Cain's offering was not pleasing to God because it was all about himself, and he did not understand the will of God for the salvation of mankind. (Genesis 4) Selfishness keeps all the portion for itself even if it means depriving others of God given rights. 

For selfishness makes our faith fade away as doubt takes control of our relations to all things. We end up disregarding trust in God that he knows what we specifically need for each day, and then we craft selfish ways for our own survival. 

The rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-31, did not see how much it meant to be called for discipleship by Jesus Christ because of his selfish heart. He could not go past the idea of Christ's way of initiation, which was commanded to him. 
He chose, rather, to keep his possessions for himself, even if it meant walking away from Jesus, the Prince of peace. He did not allow a selfless spirit that could see others being blessed by his service to God even if it meant sacrificing all for others' happiness and welfare. 

Selfishness benumbs our sense of duty and cuts the channels to God's blessings.

April 03 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Prov 18:1: An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment. (World English Bible)

Luke 11:39: The Master however said to him, "Here we see how you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup or plate, while your secret hearts are full of greed and selfishness. (Weymouth New Testament)

2 Cor 12:20: I am afraid that I may come and somehow find you not as I want to find you, and that you may find me not as you want to find me. Perhaps there will be quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly conduct. (International Standard Version, Amplified)

Gal 5:13: For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another. (Amplified)

Phil 2:3: Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; (NASB, Amplified)

James 3:14: But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. (NET Bible)

James 3:16: For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. (NET Bible)

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/words/Selfishness

You may have heard the story of two friends who met for dinner in a restaurant. Each requested filet of sole, and after a few minutes the waiter came back with their order. Two pieces of fish, a large and a small, were on the same platter. One of the men proceeded to serve his friend. Placing the small piece on a plate, he handed it across the table.

“Well, you certainly do have nerve!” exclaimed his friend.

“What’s troubling you?” asked the other. “Look what you’ve done,” he answered. “You’ve given me the little piece and kept the big one for yourself.”

“How would you have done it?” the man asked. His friend replied, “If I were serving, I would have given you the big piece.”

“Well,” replied the man, “I’ve got it, haven’t I?” At this, they both laughed. 

ODB --Our Daily Bread, August 11, 1992

April 07 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does the Bible say about selfishness?

The Bible presents selfishness as a destructive sin rooted in pride that opposes God's character of love. It urges believers to abandon selfish ambition, conceit, and hoarding in favour of humility, service to others, and generosity. Key scriptures like Philippians 2:3-4 command, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves"

Selfishness is not new. Adam and Eve decided to choose for themselves what was good and what was bad, with disastrous consequences. Centuries later, King Uzziah of Judah thought that he was entitled to present incense at the temple, but he was badly mistaken. (2 Chron. 26:18, 19) Similarly, the Pharisees and Sadducees believed that they deserved God's special favour just because they descended from Abraham.​—Matt. 3:9.

Definition & Origin: Selfishness is placing personal desires above those of others and is linked to arrogance and a lack of love. It is considered a "work of the flesh" and a product of "earthly wisdom".

Consequences: The Bible teaches that selfish living leads to disorder, evil practices, and isolation, rather than true success.

The Remedy (Humility): Followers are instructed to "count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3) and to look out for the interests of others, not just their own.

Example of Christ: Jesus is presented as the ultimate example, who "emptied himself" to serve, rather than seeking his own way. 

Some Key Scriptures:

Philippians 2:3-4: Encourages looking out for others' interests over one's own.

James 3:16: Links selfish ambition to disorder and evil.

Mark 8:34-35: Teaches that losing one's life for Christ (denying self) is the way to true life.

1 Corinthians 13:5 states that love "does not insist on its own way".

Proverbs 11:24-25: Contrasts the stingy person with the generous person, noting that generosity brings blessings. 

Galatians 5:19-21 lists "selfish ambitions" among the "works of the flesh" that prevent a person from inheriting the kingdom of God.

The Bible warns of divine displeasure for those who are self-seeking. Romans 2:8 notes that for those who are self-seeking and reject the truth, "there will be wrath and anger."

God's Word teaches us to follow Jesus, which involves setting aside selfish preferences. Instead of self-exaltation, Christians are called to practice love, which is deemed the antidote to selfishness. 

Read these Biblical Solutions to Selfishness:

Imitate Christ: Believers are encouraged to have the same mindset as Jesus, who, despite being God, humbled himself to serve humanity (Philippians 2:5-8).

Self-Denial: Jesus taught that true discipleship requires a person to "deny himself and take up his cross daily" (Luke 9:23).

Generosity: Combating greed and selfishness often involves active giving. The Bible teaches that "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

Humility: Developing a "sober judgment" of oneself rather than thinking "more highly than he ought" is a key defence against pride and selfishness (Romans 12:3). 

We all need to be thankful, not demanding. (1 Thess. 5:18) 

We can imitate the apostle Paul, who did not ask the brothers in Corinth for material support even though he had the right to do so. (1 Cor. 9:11-14) 

We should appreciate each blessing that we receive and avoid a demanding spirit.

Jesus showed and taught his followers that they should be satisfied with what God is pleased to provide.

We should reject the selfish, egotistical spirit so prevalent in today's world. Instead, continue to find joy in each blessing that God gives us through his undeserved kindness.

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report