Narcissism has become a major topic of discussion in recent years, both in popular culture and mental health circles. The concept of narcissism originates from Greek mythology, in which a young man named Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection. In modern times, narcissism refers to an inflated sense of self, a lack of empathy, and a need for excessive attention and admiration. Some key questions arise regarding narcissism and the Bible: Does the Bible directly address narcissism? Are there examples of narcissistic individuals in the Bible? And how does Scripture instruct us to relate to narcissists?
What is narcissism?
Narcissism is characterized by:
- Grandiose sense of self-importance
- Preoccupation with fantasies of success, power, brilliance, beauty or ideal love
- Belief they are special and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people or institutions
- Need for excessive admiration
- Sense of entitlement
- Interpersonally exploitative behavior
- Lack of empathy
- Envy of others or a belief that others are envious of them
- Arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Some key characteristics of narcissism are grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Narcissists tend to be arrogant and entitled, imposing unrealistic expectations on others. Their sense of superiority makes them prone to exploiting people for personal gain. Underneath their inflated ego, narcissists often feel insecure and empty.
Does the Bible directly address narcissism?
The Bible does not directly address narcissism by name, as narcissism is a modern psychological concept. However, the Bible speaks extensively about pride, arrogance, vanity and self-centeredness – characteristics closely associated with narcissism.
Scripture repeatedly warns against pride and exalts the virtue of humility:
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:6)
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
The Bible makes clear that an inflated view of self is sinful and displeasing to God. Scripture instructs believers to esteem others above themselves (Philippians 2:3) and not to think too highly of oneself (Romans 12:3).
Are there examples of narcissistic individuals in the Bible?
Though not clinical diagnoses, Scripture depicts several individuals displaying characteristics consistent with narcissism:
Saul
The first king of Israel often exhibited paranoid jealousy, rage when contradicted, and obsession with his own honor and status over obeying God (1 Samuel 13:8-14, 1 Samuel 15:10-31).
Absalom
David’s son conspired against his father out of envy, vanity and entitlement, even erecting a monument to himself (2 Samuel 15:1-6, 2 Samuel 18:18).
Herod
The narcissistic king accepted the people’s worship as a god and brutally protected his power (Acts 12:21-23).
Pharisees
Jesus strongly rebuked these religious leaders for their arrogant hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and lack of compassion (Matthew 23).
While narcissism cannot be definitively diagnosed in biblical figures, Scripture gives plenty of examples of proud, self-focused, exploitative and oppressive leaders. The accounts serve as warnings against narcissistic attitudes and behaviors.
How does the Bible instruct us to relate to narcissists?
Loving yet firm boundaries are crucial in relating to narcissists. Scripture provides wisdom for interacting with arrogant, abusive and unrepentant people:
- Avoid flattery or enabling narcissistic behavior (Proverbs 26:28, 28:23)
- Gently and humbly speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
- Limit contact if the relationship is damaging (Proverbs 22:24-25)
- Let go of expectations of sincere apology or repentance (Proverbs 29:1)
- Forgive, but establish healthy boundaries (Luke 17:3-4)
- Leave room for God’s justice and mercy (Romans 12:19, Luke 6:35-36)
The Bible advises caring for narcissists from a healthy emotional distance, not expecting them to truly empathize or take responsibility. Scripture reminds us that all have sinned and confessing our own pride and need for grace is vital.
Does God exhibit narcissistic traits?
Absolutely not. Though the Bible presents God as supremely powerful and deserving of worship, He is not narcissistic:
- God demonstrates true care for others, not exploitation (Psalm 103:13, John 3:16)
- He invites questions and honest expressions, not demanding blind obedience (Exodus 33:7–23, Habakkuk 1:1-2)
- He welcomes sincere worship, not self-glorification (John 4:23-24)
- His judgments are righteous and unselfish, not arrogant (Psalm 19:9, Psalm 96:10)
The Christian God seeks relationship with humankind based on grace and truth, not narcissistic supply. His defining attribute is selfless, sacrificial love (1 John 4:8).
Signs of narcissism in Christian culture
Unfortunately, narcissism can infect Christian settings. Signs of narcissism in churches or Christian leaders may include:
- Need for exaggerated titles and recognition
- Seeking fans or followers over true communal intimacy
- Viewing ministry as performance rather than service
- Reacting angrily and defensively to feedback
- Spending lavishly on appearance and lifestyle
- Using status or numerical church growth to measure success
Christians must reject narcissism and humbly point everything back to the glory of God.
Healthy alternatives to narcissism
The Bible presents alternate virtues for Christ-followers to pursue:
Humility
Humility counters the narcissist’s inflated ego and entitlement. Scriptural humility recognizes one’s equal status before God (Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:1-10).
Self-sacrificial love
Agape love, as modeled by Jesus Christ, considers the needs of others as more important than one’s own (Philippians 2:1-8, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Finding identity in Christ
Those in Christ find their worth in being beloved children of God, not worldly status (Ephesians 1:3-6, Galatians 4:6-7).
Spiritual disciplines
Practicing biblical disciplines like prayer, fasting and simplicity combats self-absorption and pride.
Community
Genuine fellowship cultivates other-focused love needed for healthy relating.
Conclusion
While the Bible does not directly label narcissism as a clinical disorder, Scripture thoroughly addresses the narcissistic attitudes of pride, arrogance and entitlement. Passages warning against and exemplifying narcissism provide wisdom for relating well to narcissists today. Most importantly, the Bible commends the beauty of humility, self-sacrifice and finding identity in Christ rather than self. By pursuing these biblical alternatives to narcissism, Christians can live out God’s loving purposes.