What does the Bible say about entitlement (in others)?

We are going to spend some time unpacking entitlement and answer the question: What does the Bible say about entitlement? This article is written to help you identify when entitlement in others with the help of God’s Word. I recognize that Christians are typically encouraged to check their own heart. While that is true, this is meant to help you identify entitlement specifically in others. Why would this be important? I’m glad you asked!

First, we are going to define entitlement so we have a firm grasp on it and look at signs and symptoms. Then we will point to how Jesus is our example of humility when He was actually entitled to special treatment. Next we will dive into reasons it’s important for you to identify entitlement in others. Finally, we will cover what to do with this new understanding when noting entitlement mentality in others. Note that this entitlement culture is growing in our world and even in our family members, friends and church circles. This isn’t just a problem that is “out there”.

What does the Bible say about entitlement?

Entitlement is often the outward behavior that reveals an inward pride. A person may not express arrogance openly, but their expectations of others—without gratitude or humility—signal pride beneath the surface. It’s the attitude that says, “I deserve this,” even when nothing has been earned. It places personal wants and expectations above the needs of others and often above God’s ways. Entitlement leaves little room for gratitude or humility because it focuses on what is believed to be owed rather than what has already been given.

Pride fuels this mindset by creating the illusion of being the exception—believing the rules don’t apply or that others should meet personal needs no matter the cost. It can appear in everyday situations, such as expecting constant praise, refusing to take responsibility, or reacting with anger when things don’t go as desired. In the end, entitlement turns the focus inward and blinds the heart to the need for God’s grace and the call to love and serve others.

7 Signs of Entitlement

As you go through the list of signs of entitlement, you will likely see them in yourself. We all behave in a way that displays a sense of entitlement at times. This is because we all fall short and can be self centered. What I want to highlight is this: when someone behaves in the following ways as a way of life then we have a pattern. Patterns reflect heart posture. Just like when a doctor makes a diagnosis, they want to know how long or frequent is this pattern? The Bible is clear, that we will know people by their fruit. This isn’t intended to judge others. It’s intended to help you respond appropriately when you know the diagnosis. Let’s get to it…

James 3:16 – For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

1. Thinking the rules don’t apply to you.
Believing you shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences of your choices reflects entitlement. This mindset often shows up in subtle ways, such as ignoring boundaries, dismissing authority, or justifying behavior others would be held accountable for. It comes from an inflated sense of self-importance.

2. Expecting special privileges.
Wanting to be treated differently or better than others, even without earning it is another sign of entitlement. This can show up as expecting others to make sacrifices or bend the rules for their comfort or convenience. This is so opposite of the Christian call to be a servant or others centered.

3. Getting upset when things don’t go your way.
In reality, we all get a little upset when things don’t go our way. Am I right? However, a pattern of reacting with frustration, anger, or self-pity when plans fall through or people say no is entitlement. Rather than adapting or showing resilience, entitlement responds with emotional outbursts or passive-aggressive behavior (think patterns). It can be very demanding of those around the person who has a pattern of entitlement. 

4. Refusing to take responsibility.
Blaming others for problems or avoiding the consequences of their actions when mistakes are made is also entitlement. This often includes defensiveness, denial, or shifting the narrative to make oneself look innocent or victimized (which is manipulation). I must emphasize the importance of taking responsibility. When you must interact or engage with someone who refuses to take responsibility, it is nearly impossible. All of us fall short and make mistakes. Without any level of accountability, relationships will not be repaired when a hurt occurs.

5. Expecting constant praise or attention.
Needing others to affirm you regularly and feeling overlooked or offended when they don’t is a sign of entitlement. This reveals a fragile identity that depends on external validation rather than internal value. Being on the receiving end of this expectation is a never ending shift, not to mention exhausting. It can create a cycle of approval-seeking and emotional dependency. It’s like trying to fill a cup that has a hole in it.

6. Lack of gratitude.
Entitlement can look like taking blessings or kindness for granted and always wanting more. Whatever an entitled person has is never enough. Entitlement focuses on what’s lacking instead of recognizing what’s already been received. This not only robs joy but also strains relationships, as others may feel unappreciated or used. This is worth reading twice.

7. Comparing yourself to others with resentment.
Feeling like you deserve what others have and being bitter if you don’t get it is also a sign. It says, “not only do I want what you have, I don’t want you to have it.” This often leads to envy, discontentment, and a distorted view of fairness. Instead of celebrating others’ blessings, entitlement turns their success into a personal offense.

Did reading those signs leave a pit in your stomach? Me, too. This is a destructive way to view life. The enemy intends to erode relationships with this type of mentality.

Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Humility

Philippians 2:3-8 (NIV) – 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. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

I find that it can be really helpful to contrast entitlement (pride) with humility. Jesus is our best example of humility- so let’s look at a passage of Scripture that really outlines how He is the opposite of entitlement. These Bible verses start with a call to God’s people to be Christ-like. Anyone operating out of a heart of pride is pursuing selfish gain and valuing themselves above others. But, this passage is emphasizing a different way of doing things. The Apostle Paul is calling believers to be like Christ in an attitude of humility, putting others ahead of ourselves. This heart posture creates an environment of peace, unity and mutual understanding. We can feel safe and secure, knowing others are considering our best interests rather than us fighting for our best interests. 

Jesus Washed Feet

Verse 6 points out that Jesus actually deserved to be served. He was God and that made Him all powerful, yet He did not use His divine nature to take advantage of people or demand to be served. Quite the opposite! He came to serve, not be served (Matthew 20:28) and ultimately give up His life to pay the debt of our sin. The ESV translation actually says, “He took on the form of a servant”. Jesus reflects the opposite of entitlement. Despite Him having every right to special treatment and having everyone serve Him, He chose to wash feet.

Remember, entitlement has expectations that are incongruent with reality. An entitled heart believes they deserve special treatment without reason or cause. As a result, an entitled attitude reflects ingratitude, perceiving they are not getting the deserved treatment. When people don’t treat an entitled person in the way they believe they deserve, then they will often move to manipulation in order to maintain control (James 3:16).

Bible Verses About Entitlement vs. Humility

Teachings of Scripture emphasizes humility, which reflects the example set by Jesus.

Luke 18:9–14 (NIV) – To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Micah 6:8 (NIV) – He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Romans 12:1 (NIV) – Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Pride

Haughty is actually defined as believing you are superior to others. When anyone believes they are better than others, it will influence the way they treat others. This makes it increasingly difficult to serve others. Not to mention, pride is the enemy of God.

Proverbs 16:18 (NIV) – Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

James 4:6 (NIV) – But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’

Grace of God

Entitlement says, “I deserve it.” Grace says, “I didn’t earn it, but God gave it anyway.”

James 1:17 (NIV) – Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV) – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Romans 12:3 (NIV) – For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Entitlement Has A Negative Affect On Relationships

We must be wise and discerning, able to identify someone who is operating out of an entitled heart. Why- because it creates so much damage. An attitude of entitlement can quietly but powerfully erode relationships—whether in marriage, friendship, family, or ministry. Here’s how it plays out…

1. Creates Imbalance and Resentment

Entitled people often expect others to meet their needs, cater to their preferences, or prioritize them—without giving the same in return. Over time, this one-sidedness drains the other person and creates emotional fatigue. What began as love or partnership can shift into a dynamic of obligation and resentment.

2. Undermines Gratitude and Appreciation

When someone feels entitled, they rarely say “thank you”—because they believe they deserved it to begin with. This lack of gratitude makes others feel unseen, unappreciated, and undervalued. Without thankfulness, relationships grow cold and disconnected.

3. Inhibits Healthy Communication and Conflict Resolution

Entitlement often blocks honest, vulnerable conversations. Instead of listening or taking responsibility, an entitled person may deflect blame, become defensive, or guilt-trip the other person. This makes it hard to resolve issues or grow in mutual understanding.

4. Breeds Control and Manipulation

Entitlement can show up as subtle (or not-so-subtle) control. The entitled person may use emotional pressure, withdrawal, or manipulation to get their way. They expect others to accommodate them, and when that doesn’t happen, they may punish the other person emotionally.

5. Blocks Spiritual and Emotional Growth

Relationships thrive when both people are willing to reflect, repent, and grow. But entitlement resists correction and assumes superiority. This makes intimacy shallow and stunts the potential for deeper connection or healing.

When you are able to see entitlement in others, you are able to set healthy boundaries. You will also be able to prevent unhealthy power dynamics or imbalances. And, it will help you to stop enabling the sin of entitlement in others. Seeing entitlement in others will help you recognize that you are not the problem. An entitled heart is the problem. What does the Bible say about entitlement? The Bible sees it as a pretty significant heart issue.

Entitlement Is The Driving Force Behind Emotional & Psychological Abuse

Entitlement is a powerful force behind emotional and psychological abuse. It drives a mindset where the abuser believes others exist to meet their needs, follow their expectations, and preserve their comfort—regardless of the cost to others. This belief justifies controlling, manipulative, or even cruel behavior, often masked as love or concern. An entitled person may feel they have the right to invade boundaries, dismiss emotions, avoid accountability, and punish others for not meeting their demands. When things don’t go their way, they may retaliate with guilt, threats, or emotional withdrawal. They lack empathy, resist change, and often use others as tools to serve their own desires. In essence, entitlement in abuse says, “You exist to serve me. My needs matter most. I shouldn’t have to change.” This mindset turns love into control and destroys the foundation of mutual respect and emotional safety.

Check out: What does the Bible say about narcissism?

How to Deal with Entitled People – Biblical Wisdom

Let’s take a look at how to deal with entitled people through a Biblical lens. 

1. Set Boundaries

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways.” — Proverbs 22:24–25 (NIV)

Entitled people can be emotionally draining. The Bible encourages setting healthy limits.

2. Don’t Feed Their Pride

“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.” — Proverbs 26:4 (NIV)

Avoid getting pulled into arguments or trying to prove a point with someone who refuses wisdom.

3. Speak the Truth in Love

“Speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ.” — Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

When necessary, gently confront selfish behavior with honesty and kindness.

4. Model Humility

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
Show a better way through your own example of humility and grace.

5. Let Consequences Teach

“A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.” — Proverbs 19:19 (NIV)

Don’t shield people from the natural consequences of their choices—it may be the only thing that helps them grow. Allowing natural consequences could be the most life saving and loving thing you can do for someone with a deep sense of entitlement. READ THAT AGAIN!

Wrapping Up: What does the Bible say about entitlement?

In closing, the Bible calls us to live in humility, rooted in the love of God, not in the entitlement mindset that leads to selfishness and pride. An entitled heart is seeking personal gain and it comes at a great cost. Those who embrace entitlement risk losing significant relationships, as they place their desires above God’s will and the needs of others. Scripture teaches us through biblical principles that we should value others, model humility, and respond with grace, while never feeding into a sense of unearned privilege. By holding fast to the Word of Truth, we are reminded that God’s way is one of service, not self-centeredness, and it is through His love that we are called to live differently.