Ego is often referred to in psychological studies as an individual’s sense of self-importance or self-worth. It forms part of how one perceives oneself and how one interacts with the world around them. While a healthy sense of self is necessary for effective functioning, the Bible often warns against an inflated ego which can lead to pride. Interpreting Bible verses, we can find guidance that points toward humility as the antidote to ego.
What Does the Bible Say About Ego?
The Bible addresses the matter of ego and pride on numerous occasions, advocating for a spirit of humility as opposed to self-exaltation. The importance of humility in the believer’s life is emphasized in several books of the Bible. Humility, when placed against ego, allows individuals to place the needs and interests of others before their own. It also helps in recognizing that all good things come from God, rather than from one’s own achievements.
Why Does the Bible Warn Against Ego?
Ego can often lead to feelings of pride and self-sufficiency that can distance an individual from God. These feelings may blind one’s vision to the grace and blessings extended by God. The Bible warns its followers against this, reminding them that all achievements and blessings are ultimately from God. Being egotistical can lead to an exaggerated sense of self-importance, often at the expense of acknowledging God’s hand in one’s life.
Who is at Risk of an Inflated Ego According to the Bible?
According to the teachings of the Bible, everyone is at risk of developing an inflated ego. Pride, as the Bible elucidates, is one of the cardinal sins which no one is immune to. Regardless of one’s spiritual, economical, or social standing, the human tendency towards egotism is universal. This is why the Bible continually urges its followers to cultivate a spirit of humility and respect towards God and fellow human beings.
Where are the Guidelines for Controlling Ego in the Bible?
The Bible offers guidelines for controlling the ego in both the Old and New Testaments. Emphasis is often placed on selfless behavior, helping those in need, and recognizing the source of one’s blessings as God. The Bible’s teachings on humility serve as a practical guide on keeping one’s ego in check. Through parables and teachings, it exemplifies the importance of a humble attitude and servant leadership.
When Does the Bible Suggest it is Essential to Lower One’s Ego?
It is essential to lower one’s ego according to the Bible in all situations where pride and self-importance begin to overshadow the grace of God. The Bible implies that humility should be the default attitude of a believer at all times. Especially in moments of great personal success or achievement, maintaining humility helps in acknowledging that all blessings come from God. In overcoming adversity, a humble attitude allows us to be receptive to God’s guidance.
Below is the full list of bible verses on ego (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Ego
Philippians 2:1-10
“1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”
Related Themes: Complaining Dating Criticism Serving Others Teamwork
John 5:30
“30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”
Related Themes: Frustration Pleasing God Tough Decisions Justice
John 5:31
“31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth
Colossians 4:6
“6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Related Themes: Gossip Communication Cursing Understanding Boundaries
John 8:28
“28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.”
Mark 10:17-18
“17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.”
Proverbs 16:18
“18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Related Themes: Pride Humility Reputation Business
1 Peter 5:5
“5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
Related Themes: Humility Pride Humility Respecting Your Parents Children
2 Chronicles 36:9-18
“9 Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD.10 And when the year was expired, king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of the LORD, and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem.11 Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem.12 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from the mouth of the LORD.13 And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.14 Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.15 And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:16 But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.17 Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand.18 And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all these he brought to Babylon.”
Romans 12:3
“3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
Proverbs 29:23
“23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.”
Related Themes: Pride Humility Bitterness Sports Respecting Your Parents
John 14:28
“28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.”
Luke 10:16
“16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.”
Related Themes: Rejection
Proverbs 22:4
“4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.”
Related Themes: Humility Pride Money Abundance Obtaining Wealth
James 4:8
“8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
Related Themes: Repentance Loneliness Discernment Heart Revival
John 10:29
“29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”
Related Themes: Sadness
Isaiah 42:8
“8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”
Related Themes: Glory
Matthew 26:39
“39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
Luke 18:18-19
“18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.”
Related Themes: Adultery
Proverbs 16:5
“5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.”
Psalm 2:7
“7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.”
Romans 8:34
“34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
Related Themes: Resurrection Condemnation Sadness
Proverbs 8:13
“13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”
Galatians 6:3-4
“3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”
Related Themes: Pride Reaping Reaping What You Sow Reputation Hypocrisy
John 18:6
“6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.”
Romans 12:16
“16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
Related Themes: Pride Humility Frustration Judging Others Attitude
John 5:19
“19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.”
Related Themes: Humility
John 1:18
“18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
John 14:1
“1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”
Related Themes: Sadness Restoration Loneliness Afterlife Worry
