Egotism or egoism refers to an excessive concern for oneself while ignoring or discounting others. It involves an inflated sense of self-importance and self-centeredness. The Bible has a lot to say about this issue as it goes against God’s teachings on humility, love for others, and living in community.
The Old Testament warns against egotism and pride repeatedly. Proverbs 16:18 says “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Here, Solomon warns that those who are overly self-confident and prideful will eventually face ruin. Similarly, in Isaiah 14, Isaiah pronounces judgment on the king of Babylon for his arrogance and presumption against God. The king’s ego led to his downfall. Other verses like Proverbs 8:13, 16:5, and 21:4 all speak against pride and self-exaltation as well.
In the New Testament, Jesus confronted the religious leaders of his day for their egoism. In Matthew 23, he pronounced woes upon the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and lack of compassion. He accused them of doing their religious duties only to be seen by others, thereby feeding their egos (Matthew 6:1-8). Jesus promoted the opposite attitude, urging his followers to humble themselves, wash one another’s feet, and defer to others (John 13:1-17).
The apostle Paul also had much to say against egotism. In Philippians 2:1-11, he implored the church to imitate Christ’s example of humility and self-sacrifice, looking to the interests of others above their own. He instructed them “in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Paul condemned those who thought too highly of themselves (Romans 12:3) and promoted selfless living and service toward others.
Overall, the consistent message of Scripture is that egotism has no place among God’s people. Pride, arrogance, and inflated self-importance stem from sin and indicate a heart that is far from God. The antidote is developing Christlike humility, esteeming others above oneself, and finding identity in God rather than self-promotion. As 1 Peter 5:5-6 sums it up: “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
There are many stories and examples in the Bible that demonstrate the dangers of egotism and the importance of keeping one’s ego in check:
1. The Fall – Genesis 3
The temptation and fall of Adam and Eve is rooted in egoism. The serpent appealed to Eve’s ego by telling her that if she ate the forbidden fruit, she would be “like God” (Genesis 3:5). Rather than trusting God’s ways, Eve became self-centered and prideful, seeking her own status and knowledge apart from God. This led to the first sin and all subsequent human sinfulness.
2. Cain and Abel – Genesis 4
Cain grew jealous and angry when God accepted his brother Abel’s sacrifice but not his own. God warned Cain to master this sin: “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it” (Genesis 4:6-7). But Cain refused to rule over his ego and killed his brother out of selfish pride.
3. The Tower of Babel – Genesis 11
In this account, the people sought to “make a name” for themselves and arrogantly build a tower to reach the heavens (Genesis 11:4). Their ego-driven ambition was contrary to God’s will, so he halted their plans and scattered them. This displays again how egotism breeds disobedience and alienation from God.
4. Saul’s downfall – 1 Samuel 15
When commanded to totally destroy the Amalekites, Saul disobeyed and spared the king and the best livestock. When confronted by Samuel, Saul insisted he had obeyed and performed his duty (1 Samuel 15:13-15). His arrogance led to his rejection as king over Israel. His ego prevented him from honestly admitting and repenting of his pride.
5. Uzziah’s pride – 2 Chronicles 26
King Uzziah experienced great success and power early in his reign. But his pride led to his downfall. 2 Chronicles 26:16 states: “But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction.” In arrogance, he entered the temple to burn incense on the altar, a task only for priests. As punishment for this presumptuous act, he was struck with leprosy.
6. Nebuchadnezzar’s arrogance – Daniel 4
When King Nebuchadnezzar grew arrogant about his power and accomplishments, he had a troubling dream about his kingdom being stripped away until he recognized God’s sovereignty. This dream came true when he boasted, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built?” He immediately lost his sanity and lived like an animal for seven years until he learned humility.
These examples reveal how egotism leads people to disregard God’s ways, harm others, and face negative consequences. The Bible makes clear God opposes pride and calls His people to pursue humility and love for others above self-interest.
Biblical Teachings Against Egotism and Pride
Here are some key biblical principles and passages that speak against egoism and pride:
- We must die to self and live for Christ (Galatians 2:20)
- In humility consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3)
- Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5)
- God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6)
- Whoever exalts himself will be humbled (Matthew 23:12)
- Do nothing from rivalry or conceit but count others more significant (Philippians 2:3)
- The Lord detests all the proud of heart (Proverbs 16:5)
- Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18)
- Let another praise you, and not your own mouth (Proverbs 27:2)
Overall, the Bible consistently condemns pride and self-centeredness as sinful and destructive. God calls us to walk in humility and view others’ interests as more important than our own.
Biblical Teachings on Humility and Putting Others First
In contrast to egotism, the Bible encourages humility, selflessness, and putting others first:
- Whoever would be great among you must be your servant (Matthew 20:26)
- In humility consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3)
- Do nothing from rivalry or conceit but in humility count others more significant (Philippians 2:3)
- Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5)
- Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus… who humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death (Philippians 2:5, 8)
- Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you (James 4:10)
- Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2)
God calls us to humble service focused on others’ needs rather than self-glorification. This applies in all areas of life including our speech, attitudes, lifestyle, work ethic, leadership, and acts of service. As we grow in humility, we become more like Christ.
Overcoming Egotism Through the Power of the Gospel
The good news of Jesus Christ provides both the motivation and the power to overcome egotism. Key gospel truths that help us surrender pride include:
- We have nothing good in ourselves but are totally dependent on God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- All we have and accomplish is by God’s strength and for His glory (1 Corinthians 1:31)
- Christ gave up his rights and humbled himself to serve us (Philippians 2:5-8)
- God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5)
- Our value and identity is found in Christ alone, not self-promotion (Galatians 2:20)
Internalizing these realities helps deflate our egos and motivates us to pursue humility and selflessness in following Christ’s example.
How to Grow in Humility and Combat Pride
Here are some practical tips for growing in humility and overcoming egotism, pride, and arrogance:
- Pray regularly for God to reveal areas of pride and grant you humility
- Memorize verses about humility; meditate and apply them
- Ask a trusted friend or mentor to help you identify pride or ego issues
- Focus on serving others’ interests rather than promoting yourself
- Confess and repent of pride and self-focus as soon as you become aware of it
- Thank God regularly for any accomplishments or assets you have
- Spend time praising and thanking God rather than indulging self-congratulations
The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk this out. As we submit to Christ’s lordship and seek to glorify God rather than self, we can overcome egotism.
Conclusion
The Bible makes clear that egotism, pride, and self-centeredness have no place in the Christian life. God calls us to pursue humility, esteem others highly, and reflect the self-sacrificial love of Christ through serving others. Internalizing the gospel provides both motivation and power to die to self-interest and become conduits of God’s grace. As we grow in humility and live for God’s glory rather than our own, we will please God and experience greater joy and fulfillment than any amount of ego-stroking could provide.