Topical Encyclopedia
Selfishness is a fundamental aspect of human nature that is often addressed in the Bible as a vice contrary to the teachings of Christ and the principles of Christian living. It is characterized by an excessive focus on one's own desires, needs, and interests, often at the expense of others. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers and consequences of selfish behavior, urging believers to adopt a life of selflessness and love.
Biblical Teachings on Selfishness1.
Old Testament Insights: The Old Testament frequently warns against selfishness, emphasizing the importance of community and the welfare of others.
Proverbs 18:1 states, "He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment." This verse highlights the folly of pursuing one's own interests to the exclusion of wise counsel and community.
2.
The Example of Cain: In
Genesis 4, the account of Cain and Abel illustrates the destructive nature of selfishness. Cain's jealousy and self-centeredness lead him to commit the first murder, demonstrating how selfish desires can result in grave sin and separation from God.
3.
The Law and the Prophets: The Mosaic Law and the teachings of the prophets consistently call for justice, mercy, and care for the marginalized, opposing selfishness.
Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."
New Testament Teachings1.
The Teachings of Jesus: Jesus Christ's teachings are replete with admonitions against selfishness. In
Matthew 16:24-25 , Jesus instructs, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." Here, self-denial is presented as a core aspect of discipleship.
2.
The Parable of the Rich Fool: In
Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, who hoards his wealth without regard for God or others. The parable concludes with God calling the man a fool for storing up treasures for himself but not being rich toward God, illustrating the futility of selfishness.
3.
The Early Church: The Acts of the Apostles provides a model of selflessness in the early Christian community.
Acts 2:44-45 describes how "all the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This communal lifestyle reflects the antithesis of selfishness, emphasizing generosity and mutual care.
Pauline Epistles1.
The Call to Humility: The Apostle Paul frequently addresses selfishness in his letters, urging believers to adopt humility and consider others above themselves.
Philippians 2:3-4 exhorts, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
2.
The Fruit of the Spirit: In
Galatians 5:19-23, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh, which include selfish ambition, with the fruit of the Spirit, which embodies love, joy, peace, and self-control. This contrast underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming selfish tendencies.
Theological ReflectionsSelfishness is fundamentally at odds with the Christian call to love God and neighbor. It is rooted in pride and a lack of trust in God's provision. The Bible consistently calls believers to a life of selflessness, modeled after Christ's sacrificial love. By embracing humility, generosity, and community, Christians are empowered to overcome selfishness and reflect the character of Christ in their lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The quality or state of being selfish; exclusive regard to one's own interest or happiness; that supreme self-love or self-preference which leads a person to direct his purposes to the advancement of his own interest, power, or happiness, without regarding those of others.
Greek
2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition... Origin from erithos (day-laborer) Definition rivalry, hence ambition NASB Word Usage
disputes (2), selfish ambition (3), selfishly ambitious (1),
selfishness (1
...4717. stauroo -- to fence with stakes, to crucify
... crucify. From stauros; to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish
(subdue) passion orselfishness -- crucify. see GREEK stauros....
Library
Attributes ofSelfishness.
... LECTURE XVIII. ATTRIBUTES OFSELFISHNESS. 11. Falsehood, or lying, is another attribute
ofselfishness. Falsehood may be objective or subjective....
Attributes ofSelfishness.
... LECTURE XVII. ATTRIBUTES OFSELFISHNESS.... We are now to take the same course with
selfishness: and" 1. Voluntariness is an attribute ofselfishness....
Selfishness and Prayer. A Contrast.
... XXXVI.SELFISHNESS AND PRAYER.... Do right, though it may mean tears, for the smiles
ofselfishness are sores in the future. Look at the other man now....
Of Self-Denial and the Casting Away allSelfishness
... THE THIRD BOOK. ON INWARD CONSOLATION CHAPTER XXXII Of self-denial and
the casting away allselfishness. "My Son, thou canst not...
Love in the Blessed Ones.
... The unholy alone need sanctification; but to suppose that Love is exhausted
in the victory overselfishness is a great mistake....
What Constitutes Disobedience to Moral Law?
... life. This isselfishness.... being. It would not beselfishness, as it would
not be willing good to, or the gratification of, self....
For they Loved the Praise of Men More than the Praise of God. John...
... people of Jerusalem. There is a plain distinction between self-love, or
the simple desire of happiness, andselfishness. Self-love...
Heaven on Earth
... own miserable, worthless souls, and getting God's wages without doing God's
work"as if that was godliness,"as if that was any thing butselfishness; as if...
1 John ii. 9
... this love, viz.selfishness, which excludes love, which begets hate,"the
characteristic mark of the life of darkness. "He that...
"Members one of Another. "
... that, starting from the Divine Sacrifice as the central fact of human life, it was
intended to root out of our hearts the noxious weed ofselfishness by the...
Thesaurus
Selfishness (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Selfishness (4 Occurrences).
... Proverbs 18:1 An unfriendly
man pursues
selfishness, and defies all sound judgment. (WEB).
...Epicureans (1 Occurrence)
... for his friends. But theory was capable of serving the purposes of worse
men to justify license andselfishness. 6. Social Contract...
Iscariot (11 Occurrences)
... of the other disciples to Himself, the teaching by which He uplifted their souls
above all earthly things, were as chafing bonds to theselfishness of Judas....
Judas (42 Occurrences)
... of the other disciples to Himself, the teaching by which He uplifted their souls
above all earthly things, were as chafing bonds to theselfishness of Judas....
Unfriendly (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unfriendly (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 18:1 An unfriendly
man pursuesselfishness, and defies all sound judgment. (WEB NIV)....
Jacob (361 Occurrences)
... an enterprising hunter. His dealing with Esau, however, showed much mean
selfishness and cunning (Genesis 25:29-34). When Isaac...
Greed (19 Occurrences)
... 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 andselfishness...
Wealthy (22 Occurrences)
... certain kinds of sins against which they are frequently warned, eg, highmindedness
(1 Timothy 6:17); oppression of the poor (James 2:6);selfishness (Luke 12...
Wealth (340 Occurrences)
... certain kinds of sins against which they are frequently warned, eg, highmindedness
(1 Timothy 6:17); oppression of the poor (James 2:6);selfishness (Luke 12...
Indulge (12 Occurrences)
... restrain. 2. (vt) to give free course to; to give one's self up to; as, to
indulge sloth, pride,selfishness, or inclinations; 3. (vt...
Resources
What does the Bible say about selfishness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong for parents to select the gender of their children, such as through Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)? | GotQuestions.orgSelfishness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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