What does the Bible say about narcissism?

The topic of narcissism is very popular in our culture today. It’s a word used by the world that is trying to describe destructive patterns of behavior. While God’s Word doesn’t specifically use the word “narcissism” in Scripture, Biblical truth certainly describes these patterns of behavior. In this article, we will cover how the world describes narcissism. Then we will answer the pressing question, “What does the Bible say about narcissism?” Let’s dive in…

Narcissism Got It’s Name From Greek Mythology

The story of Narcissus is a famous myth from ancient Greek mythology that explores themes of vanity and the consequences of excessive pride. Quick recap of the story: Narcissus was a very handsome young man, known for his striking beauty. Because of his beauty, Narcissus attracted the attention of many admirers, both men and women. However, he was proud and arrogant, showing disdain and indifference towards those who loved him.

The story of Narcissus serves as a warning about the dangers of excessive pride, vanity, and self-obsession. In psychology, the term “narcissism” is now used to describe an unhealthy focus on oneself and one’s own needs, often at the expense of others. As you were reading this did it make you think of someone from the Bible? I.e. Satan? More on that in a minute. First, let’s take a peek at how modern psychology defines the term narcissism…

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Before we answer the question, “What does the Bible say about narcissism?”, let’s see how narcissism is described by modern psychology. Much of the following description comes from the manual (DSM-IV-TR) that therapists and doctors use to identify disorders. As you read through these symptoms, keep in mind that only a trained professional can diagnose a personality disorder. 

Typically, people with narcissistic personality disorder have an inflated sense of self importance. An inflated sense of self-importance refers to an exaggerated perception of one’s own value, abilities, or achievements. There is often a requirement of excessive admiration. To require excessive admiration means having an intense and constant need for praise, validation, and recognition from others. There is also a sense of entitlement. Entitlement is the belief that one inherently deserves special treatment, privileges, or benefits regardless of their actions, merit, or the situation. This belief often leads to expectations that others should prioritize their needs and comply with their demands.

A narcissist also tends to be interpersonally exploitive. To be interpersonally exploitative means to take advantage of others in relationships to achieve one’s own goals, desires, or needs, often without regard for the other person’s feelings, rights, or well-being. People who are interpersonally exploitative use others as tools or means to an end, often manipulating or deceiving them to get what they want. Additionally, there is an utter lack of empathy. Lacking empathy requires an unwillingness to recognize or identify with feelings and needs of others. Finally, a person with narcissistic tendencies also shows arrogant, prideful behaviors and attitudes.

One of the most important things to remember…The descriptions listed above are not simply one time events. All of us can act in a way that might seem entitled, prideful or any of the other descriptions. Someone who has narcissistic tendencies have longstanding patterns of these behaviors. And they behave in this manner in a variety of contexts. It is how they conduct their life. This is good information for you to know because it is impossible to have healthy relationships with someone who relates like this.

Role of Pride in Narcissistic Behavior

Pride is at the root of narcissism because narcissism involves an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others—traits that are closely connected to excessive pride. Pride is the opposite of humility. God’s Word calls us to reflect the heart of Christ Jesus who is the ultimate example of humility and putting the interests of others before Himself (Philippians 2:1-7). Check out the following Bible verses speaking against pride and emphasizes the importance of humility.

Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 8:13 – The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

Proverbs 11:2 – When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

James 4:6 – But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’

1 John 2:16 – For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Proverbs 21:4 – Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.

Pride is a Heart Issue

The Bible is pretty clear that the heart of man is reflected by our words and actions. The person who has narcissistic tendencies is displaying the inner condition of their heart.

Proverbs 4:23 – Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Matthew 12:34 – You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Matthew 15:18-19 – But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.

Luke 6:45 – The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of the evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

What does the Bible say about narcissism in 2 Timothy 3:1-8?

This passage does a much better job of unpacking patterns of behavior that are utterly destructive and toxic. It opens with, “understand this” and follows with the list of toxic patterns with the advice to “avoid such people”. This is a warning that is intended to provide protection to God’s people. 

2 Timothy 3:1-8 – But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. ² For people will be…

• lovers of self 
• lovers of money
• proud
• arrogant  (Arrogant is used to describe someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance, abilities, or worth. An arrogant person often believes they are superior to others, exhibits a lack of humility, and tends to be dismissive or condescending towards people they perceive as less important or capable.)
• abusive  (Abusive describes behavior that is harmful, cruel, or violent, especially when it involves mistreatment of others. This behavior can be physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, or psychological, and it often involves a misuse of power, control, or trust.)
• disobedient to their parents
• ungrateful
• unholy
• heartless  (Heartless describes a person who lacks compassion, empathy, or consideration for the feelings and needs of others. A heartless person is perceived as being cruel, unkind, or indifferent to the suffering or well-being of others.)
• unappeasable (Unappeasable describes someone that cannot be satisfied, calmed, or pacified, no matter what actions are taken. An unappeasable person has desires or demands that are impossible to fulfill or placate.)
• slanderous  (Slanderous describes statements or remarks that are false, malicious, and intended to damage someone’s reputation. Slanderous comments are typically spoken and can involve spreading lies, rumors, or defamatory statements about a person.)
• without self-control
• brutal (Brutal is used to describe someone that is extremely harsh, cruel, or violent. It often implies a lack of mercy or compassion, and can refer to actions, events, or conditions that are aggressively forceful and cause significant pain, suffering, or damage.)
• not loving good
• treacherous  (Treacherous describes someone that is dangerously unstable, unreliable, or deceitful.)
• reckless
• swollen with conceit
• lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God
• having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. (Evil wants to look good, not be good. An appearance of godliness is used to create a false sense of trust.)

Avoid such people. (READ THAT AGAIN! EMPHASIS MINE.)

For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, ⁷ always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. ⁹ But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

What does the Bible say about narcissism in James 3:14-16?

Selfish ambition (high level of selfishness) in the Bible points to elevating one’s own selfish desires, interests and advancement over the well-being of others. It involves striving for success, recognition, or power in a way that is self-centered and disregards the impact or harm on others. This kind of ambition often involves manipulating, exploiting, or disregarding others in the pursuit of one’s own goals. Notice in the NIV translation of James 3:14-16, it indicates that selfish ambition leads to “every evil practice”. God’s Word gives us a great list in 2 Timothy 3:1-8 (see above) of what “every evil practice” looks like.

James 3:14-16 (ESV) – But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

James 3:14-16 (NIV): But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Check out: How to Deal With Manipulators Biblically

The Original Narcissist

The Bible does not explicitly use the term “narcissism,” but it does describe traits and behaviors associated with narcissism in the context of Satan (and other Biblical figures). These traits include pride, arrogance, self-centeredness, and a desire for power and recognition. Satan is known for his pride and desire to be elevated above God. Advancing his evil agenda to oppose God, oppose God’s people and God’s plans is rooted in his pride and self exaltation. Check out these Bible verses about Satan.

Isaiah 14:12-15 – How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.

This passage highlights Satan’s pride and ambition to exalt himself above God, which reflects narcissistic traits of self-centeredness and a desire for power.

Ezekiel 28:17 – Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you.

2 Corinthians 11:14 – And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

This verse aligns with the 2 Timothy passage above, warning to avoid those that “have an appearance of godliness”- evil disguises itself as good.

These verses illustrate how Satan’s actions and characteristics are reflective of narcissistic traits such as pride, self-exaltation, and a desire for power. They show how these traits lead to his downfall and serve as warnings about the dangers of excessive pride and arrogance. Read more about the original narcissist here.

3 Examples of Biblical Figures of Narcissism

While there are many example of narcissism in the Bible, I will just briefly highlight a few examples to show how the Word of God speaks to this topic in addition to describing the destructive patterns of behavior.

The Pharisees were prideful people/religious leaders in the New Testament. They displayed spiritual pride and self righteousness. The Pharisees were shown to have a desire for public recognition and praise. Additionally, they were called hypocrites by Jesus for their focus on outward appearances. Also known for the lack of empathy toward the very people they were supposed to be leading to God. Jesus often confronts the religious leaders, pointing to their behavior as an example of what not to do. 

King Nebuchadnezzar was another person in the Bible who displayed the personality traits seen in 2 Timothy 3:1-8 such as excessive pride as evidenced by the golden statue he had built and commanded all people to worship it. This king also demonstrated a lack of empathy for those who refused to worship the statue, ordering them to be thrown into the fiery furnace. Finally, he also boasted and took credit for the greatness of Babylon (self-exaltation) before God humbled him.

Pharaoh of Egypt in the Old Testament considered himself to be a god. He refused to release the Israelites, elevating himself above the will of God. This was also a demonstration of his lack of empathy as he refused to let the Israelites go and even made their slavery more unbearable. He did everything in his power to continue to maintain control and oppress God’s people.

What does the Bible say about Narcissism? | Application

So what do we do with this information? The Bible gives us valuable insights into the topic of narcissism. Someone who has a 2 Timothy 3:1-8 pattern of relating to others is dangerous and harmful. Anyone who is consistently looking to their own interests and willing to engage in “every evil practice” to pursue their own desires will cause harm to those around them. We are told to avoid such people– that is a powerful and clear biblical perspective.

Sometimes the person that engages in this type of behavior is a family member, spouse, co-worker and even people in the church (wolves in sheep’s clothing). How you navigate those relationships requires the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In my own life I have chosen to end some of those relationships after every alternative was exhausted. The reality is, no matter what you choose, we can pray for the hearts of these people. We can choose to forgive and love from a distance. Being a Christian does not mean we have to stay in harm’s way or maintain such relationships. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is hold someone accountable for their actions. 

Again, I want to say, Scriptures in this article, are talking about destructive people, not difficult people. We all have a sinful nature and we all fall short of the glory of God. Everyone needs the grace of God. However, destructive patterns of relating are listed in 2 Timothy 3:1-8…read as many times as necessary. And always seek God’s guidance in your unique situation.

Wrapping Up: What does the Bible say about narcissism?

The patterns of behavior associated with narcissism are condemned in the Bible. Narcissism is rooted in a prideful heart. The behaviors associated with narcissism is self focused, self elevation with a willingness to do any “evil practice” to advance the self. Every evil practice leads to all kinds of abuse and harm to others. Being able to identify these traits in people will help us move to positive action- what ever that may be in your specific situation. 

Interested in Christian Coaching with someone who is trained (and has experienced narcissistic abuse)? Learn more here.