Narcissus (1597–99) by Caravaggio; the man in love with his own reflection "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4)
"Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence, they are not sure of their self-worth and are easily upset by the slightest criticism." (Mayo Clinic)
"Narcissism is a self-centered personality style characterized as having an excessive preoccupation with oneself and one's own needs, often at the expense of others." (Narcissism - Wikipedia)
Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and how severe they are can vary. People with the disorder can:
The Bible suggests it is better for us not to just focus on ourselves but to have an outward concern for others.
"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4)
"The Bible does not use the modern word “narcissism,” but it repeatedly condemns its core traits such as pride, self‑exaltation, lack of empathy, and self‑centeredness, through passages such as:
Here's just a small portion of what the Word teaches on narcissism and how God resents it:
• 1 Corinthians 5:11-13
• Proverbs 18:12
• Proverbs 16:18
• Romans 16:17-19
• 1 Peter 5:5-6
• Philippians 2:1-30
• 2 Timothy 3:1-17
2 Timothy 3:2
• Proverbs 22:24-25
• Jeremiah 17:9
• Galatians 5:26
• Proverbs 8:13
Pride and Self‑Exaltation
Why is all this a problem?
The salvation of any human is the ultimate objective in opposing anything. One of the main concerns I have for a narcissist may be their inability to even see their need for Jesus.
With such an unhealthy, exaggerated, "superior" view of themselves, especially compared to other "lesser" people, they may dismiss Christianity as not being necessary for them. They may think it is okay for others, but that they do not need it. This may affect their coming to the truth that they do indeed need Jesus, as every human being does.
Thankfully this situation is not beyond divine intervention. So, for those with loved ones who may be narcissistic, do not despair, continue your prayers for that person and continue trusting that God will indeed answer those prayers (don't doubt) to save that person. Nothing, or no-one, not even the narcissist, is beyond Jesus' ability to save.
Read more on this.
"Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence, they are not sure of their self-worth and are easily upset by the slightest criticism." (Mayo Clinic)
"Narcissism is a self-centered personality style characterized as having an excessive preoccupation with oneself and one's own needs, often at the expense of others." (Narcissism - Wikipedia)
Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and how severe they are can vary. People with the disorder can:
- Completely obsessed with themselves.
- Have an unreasonably high sense of self-importance and require constant, excessive admiration.
- Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements.
- Make achievements and talents seem bigger than they are.
- Find it difficult to accept fault/blame for mistakes.
- Have an unhealthy selfishness.
- Be preoccupied with fantasies about self, success, power, brilliance.
- Believe they are superior to others and can only spend time with or be understood by equally special people.
- Be critical of and look down on people they feel are not important.
- Expect special favours and expect other people to do what they want without questioning them.
- Take advantage of others to get what they want.
- Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others.
- Behave in an arrogant way, brag a lot and come across as conceited.
- Belittle other people to make themselves appear superior.
- Cannot accept criticism.
The Bible suggests it is better for us not to just focus on ourselves but to have an outward concern for others.
"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4)
"The Bible does not use the modern word “narcissism,” but it repeatedly condemns its core traits such as pride, self‑exaltation, lack of empathy, and self‑centeredness, through passages such as:
Here's just a small portion of what the Word teaches on narcissism and how God resents it:
• 1 Corinthians 5:11-13
• Proverbs 18:12
• Proverbs 16:18
• Romans 16:17-19
• 1 Peter 5:5-6
• Philippians 2:1-30
• 2 Timothy 3:1-17
2 Timothy 3:2
• Proverbs 22:24-25
• Jeremiah 17:9
• Galatians 5:26
• Proverbs 8:13
Pride and Self‑Exaltation
- Proverbs 16:18 warns that “pride goes before destruction,” highlighting the danger of self‑elevation. Bible Hub
- James 4:6 teaches that God “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Bible Hub
- Lucifer’s fall (Isaiah 14:13–14) is often cited as the ultimate example of destructive self‑exaltation. Bible Hub
- Romans 1:25 describes people who “worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator,” a pattern consistent with narcissistic self‑worship. Bible Hub
- True biblical love “is not self‑seeking” (1 Corinthians 13:4–5), directly opposing narcissistic behavior. Bible Hub
- Narcissistic traits conflict with Christ like love, which is patient, kind, and sacrificial. Bible Hub
- Proverbs 9:8 notes that a mocker hates correction—mirroring the narcissistic refusal to accept rebuke. Bible Hub
- 2 Timothy 3:1–2 predicts that people will be “lovers of themselves… boastful, arrogant,” describing attitudes similar to narcissism. Bible Hub
Why is all this a problem?
The salvation of any human is the ultimate objective in opposing anything. One of the main concerns I have for a narcissist may be their inability to even see their need for Jesus.
With such an unhealthy, exaggerated, "superior" view of themselves, especially compared to other "lesser" people, they may dismiss Christianity as not being necessary for them. They may think it is okay for others, but that they do not need it. This may affect their coming to the truth that they do indeed need Jesus, as every human being does.
Thankfully this situation is not beyond divine intervention. So, for those with loved ones who may be narcissistic, do not despair, continue your prayers for that person and continue trusting that God will indeed answer those prayers (don't doubt) to save that person. Nothing, or no-one, not even the narcissist, is beyond Jesus' ability to save.
Read more on this.
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