What Is Selfishness?
Selfishness is the quality of being more interested in one’s own welfare than in that of others. It may be exhibited in a number of different ways, such as taking advantage of others, being excessively materialistic or greedy, or refusing to share or cooperate.
In its worst form, selfishness can be completely self-centered and narcissistic, where an individual only cares about himself or herself and has no regard for others. While some degree of selfishness is normal and even necessary for survival, too much can be detrimental to both the individual and those around them. It can lead to social isolation, conflict, and unhappiness.
Selfishness is often considered one of the most negative personality traits and is generally looked down upon by society. Those who are excessively selfish may be perceived as being arrogant, rude, or insensitive. They may have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, as they are often more concerned with what they can get out of the relationship rather than what they can give.
They may also be manipulative and exploitative, using others to further their own goals. Excessive selfishness can be a sign of a mental disorder such as narcissistic personality disorder. Treatment for this condition typically includes therapy, which can help the individual learn to develop healthier relationships and to focus on the needs of others as well as their own.
What Causes Selfishness?
There are many possible causes of selfishness, but some of the most common ones include:
- Having a low sense of self-worth or self-esteem
- Feeling like you’re not good enough or that you have to compete with others
- Wanting to have more than others
- Wanting to protect yourself from being hurt or taken advantage of
If you’re feeling selfish, it’s important to take some time to reflect on why that might be the case. Are there any areas of your life where you feel like you’re not being treated fairly? Are you afraid of losing something or someone? Once you have a better understanding of what’s driving your selfishness, you can start working on overcoming it.
How Do You Overcome Selfishness?
One way to overcome selfishness is by learning how to put yourself in other people’s shoes. When you can understand what someone else is thinking and feeling, it becomes easier to act less selfishly. You can also try to be more altruistic, or selfless, by doing things for others without expecting anything in return. Finally, focus on the positives of being unselfish – such as feeling good about helping someone else, or enjoying the company of others more when you’re not so focused on yourself.
There are a few key things that you can do to start overcoming selfishness:
- Practice empathy and try to see things from other people’s perspectives
- Work on building your self-esteem and confidence
- Seek out help and support if you’re struggling with low self-worth or other issues that might be driving your selfishness
- Be honest with yourself about your motivations and work on changing any that are based on jealousy, envy, or a desire to control others
Selfishness can be a difficult trait to overcome, but it’s important to remember that we all have the potential for good. With some effort and self-reflection, you can start working on becoming the best version of yourself.
What Does The Bible Say About Selfishness?
The Bible has a lot to say about selfishness. In fact, the Bible tells us that selfishness is one of the biggest sins we can commit. God wants us to love others selflessly, and not just for our own benefit. When we selfishly focus on ourselves, we ignore the needs of others and put ourselves first. This is not what God wants for us. He wants us to love others as we love ourselves.
The Bible tells us that love is the most important thing. 1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” This verse tells us that love is the most important thing in our lives. We should focus on loving others, and not just on ourselves. When we do this, we will be happier and more fulfilled. God does not want us to be selfish. He wants us to love others as we love ourselves.
In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” And in James 4:1-2, we read, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.”
It’s clear from these verses that God wants us to be focused on others rather than ourselves, and that when we are selfish, we are going against His will. Selfishness separates us from God and from others, whereas living for others brings us closer to Him and strengthens our relationships.
When we are focused on our own needs and desires, we miss out on the joy of giving and serving others. But when we put others first, we experience the true meaning of life and the deepest satisfaction that comes from it.
Bible Verses About Selfishness
1. Mark 10:35
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
2. Acts 5:3
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
3. Philippians 1:17
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
4. Psalm 119:36
Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
5. 2 Corinthians 5:15
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
6. Romans 8:5
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
7. Ephesians 2:3
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
8. Judges 21:25
In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
9. 1 Kings 19:10
And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
10. Judges 17:6
In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
11. Romans 2:8
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
12. Ephesians 4:22
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
13. Proverbs 18:1
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
14. Mark 12:7
But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.
15. Genesis 11:4
And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
16. Colossians 3:9
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
17. James 3:16
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
18. Jeremiah 45:5
And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.
19. Matthew 22:39
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
20. Daniel 4:30
The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
21. Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
22. Matthew 23:25
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
23. Romans 6:6
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
24. Romans 15:3
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
25. 1 Peter 4:10
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
26. Ezekiel 34:8
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
27. Job 14:22
But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.
28. 1 Corinthians 10:24
Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
29. John 13:34
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
