What is Narcissism? "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)
The Bible consistently frames narcissistic traits as forms of pride and self‑idolatry that lead to spiritual ruin, while calling believers to humility, love, and Christlike self‑sacrifice.
Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and how severe they are can vary. People with the disorder:
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)
One of the main concerns I have for a narcissist may be their inability to 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 for them. They may think it is okay for others, but that they do not need it.
At the heart of the issue, they are living lives built on lies, given that they have a false view of themselves.This may affect their coming to the truth and realization that they do indeed need Jesus, as every human being does.
The truth is that each one of us is a fallen human being, with deep issues including competing with God; setting ourselves or other things or people up as god and worshipping those false gods; lying; stealing; anger; covetousness.
What does God have to say about Narcissism?
While the word Narcissism is not found in the Bible, there are certainly themes which cover the topic:
1. Pride and Self‑Exaltation
Biblical Examples Often Associated with Narcissistic Traits
How the Bible Calls Believers to Respond
“A very good way of testing any view that you may hold is to ask, ‘Is this view humbling to me and glorifying to God?’ If it is, it is probably right. You will not go far wrong if whatever you are holding is glorifying God and humbling man. But if your view seems to glorify you and to query God, there is no need to argue or to go into details – it is wrong.” - Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
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 to save that person. Nothing is too hard for God.
Craig Manners
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"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)
The Bible consistently frames narcissistic traits as forms of pride and self‑idolatry that lead to spiritual ruin, while calling believers to humility, love, and Christlike self‑sacrifice.
Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and how severe they are can vary. People with the disorder:
- Bring the focus of attention back to themselves no matter the discussion.
- Find it impossible to admit fault.
- Do not respond well to being criticised.
- Exaggerate their own achievements to the point of confusing truth and lies.
- Have difficulty telling the truth.
- 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.
- Bragging and boasting are common and often not truthful, accurate, exact or fully honest.
- Be preoccupied with fantasies about 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.
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)
One of the main concerns I have for a narcissist may be their inability to 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 for them. They may think it is okay for others, but that they do not need it.
At the heart of the issue, they are living lives built on lies, given that they have a false view of themselves.This may affect their coming to the truth and realization that they do indeed need Jesus, as every human being does.
The truth is that each one of us is a fallen human being, with deep issues including competing with God; setting ourselves or other things or people up as god and worshipping those false gods; lying; stealing; anger; covetousness.
What does God have to say about Narcissism?
While the word Narcissism is not found in the Bible, there are certainly themes which cover the topic:
1. 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
Biblical Examples Often Associated with Narcissistic Traits
- Lucifer (Isaiah 14:13–14): self‑exaltation. Bible Hub
- Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4): boasting in his own greatness until humbled by God. Bible Hub
How the Bible Calls Believers to Respond
- Humility and Servanthood: Philippians 2:3–4 urges believers to consider others above themselves. Bible Hub
- Setting Boundaries: Titus 3:10 advises limiting engagement with divisive individuals. whatdoesthebiblesaytoday.com
- Self‑Examination and Repentance: Scripture emphasizes examining one’s own heart and turning from pride. encouragingbibleverses.org
“A very good way of testing any view that you may hold is to ask, ‘Is this view humbling to me and glorifying to God?’ If it is, it is probably right. You will not go far wrong if whatever you are holding is glorifying God and humbling man. But if your view seems to glorify you and to query God, there is no need to argue or to go into details – it is wrong.” - Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
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 to save that person. Nothing is too hard for God.
Craig Manners
Share this article:
