What Does the Bible Say About Narcissists?
While the Bible never uses the term narcissist, it speaks extensively about the attitudes and behaviors associated with narcissism—self-centeredness, pride, manipulation, and a lack of love for others. These qualities are not presented as minor character flaws but as symptoms of a deeper spiritual sickness rooted in sin.
The Roots of Narcissism in the Bible
In Scripture, narcissistic tendencies are traced back to humanity’s fall in Genesis 3. Adam and Eve’s desire to “be like God” reflected the same self-focus and pride that continue to plague humanity today. This self-preoccupation is what the Bible calls “the flesh”—our sinful nature that resists God’s authority and prioritizes self above all else.
According to passages like Philippians 2:3–4, believers are commanded to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” but to look to the interests of others. Narcissists, by contrast, embody the opposite—placing themselves at the center, often at the expense of truth, love, and righteousness.
The Characteristics of Narcissists in Biblical Terms
The Bible addresses the key traits of narcissists, even if it does not use modern psychological terminology:
Self-Love Above All Else – 2 Timothy 3:2 warns of people who “love only themselves,” a defining feature of narcissistic behavior.
Pride and Arrogance – Proverbs 16:18 warns that “pride goes before destruction,” underscoring the spiritual danger of a haughty spirit.
Manipulation and Lack of Empathy – The deceit and disregard for others often associated with narcissists mirror biblical warnings against exploiting and oppressing others (Micah 2:1–2).
Religious Hypocrisy – 2 Timothy 3:5 warns of those who “act religious but reject the power that could make them godly.” Narcissists may use religion for self-promotion rather than for genuine worship of God.
God’s Perspective on Pride and Self-Exaltation
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible consistently condemns pride as a root sin. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The kingdom of God turns narcissistic values upside down—“the last will be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16).
For narcissists, repentance means rejecting the self-centered life and embracing the way of the cross—self-denial, humility, and service to others. The Gospel offers hope even to the most hardened heart, calling all people to turn from pride and trust in Christ for forgiveness and transformation.
How Believers Should Respond to Narcissists
The Bible gives believers both caution and guidance in dealing with narcissists:
Exercise Discernment – 2 Timothy 3:5 advises believers to “stay away from people like that,” recognizing the spiritual danger of close association with unrepentant narcissists.
Speak Truth in Love – Ephesians 4:15 calls for addressing sin honestly while maintaining a spirit of love and grace.
Model Humility and Service – Romans 12:10 urges believers to “outdo one another in showing honor,” demonstrating the opposite spirit of self-exaltation.
Pray for Transformation – Ultimately, only the Spirit of God can change the heart of a narcissist, replacing pride with humility.
The Hope of the Gospel for Narcissists
While the Bible warns strongly about the dangers of narcissistic attitudes, it also holds out hope. The apostle Paul—once a proud persecutor—was transformed into a humble servant of Christ. This change is possible for anyone who turns to Jesus in faith, renouncing self-glory for the glory of God.
In the end, the Gospel reminds us that the cure for narcissism is not self-improvement but death to self and new life in Christ.
Bible Verses About Narcissists
2 Timothy 3:2, “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.”
2 Timothy 3:5, “Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”
Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
James 4:6, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Philippians 2:3–4, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
Matthew 20:16, “So the last will be first, and the first last.”
Micah 2:1–2, “Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! … They covet fields and seize them.”
Ephesians 4:15, “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
Romans 12:10, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Galatians 5:26, “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
