Self is a central theme that permeates many verses within the Bible. References to self in biblical context revolve around a variety of topics, including selflessness, pride, and self-control among others. Understanding these various aspects not only brings insight into humanity’s intrinsic nature, but also guides one on the path of spiritual growth and moral development as envisaged in the Bible.
What Self Represents in the Bible
In the Bible, self is often contemplated from a dual perspective: the physical and the spiritual. The physical self is one’s earthly existence, more often than not tied to human desires and motives. Frequently it’s implicated as a source of moral struggle or sin. On the other hand, the spiritual self is portrayed as a divine creation, divinely conceived for a higher purpose. Therefore, it’s often encouraged that believers primarily identify with their spiritual selves over their physical selves.
Why Self-Control is Critical
One of the recurring messages in the Bible vis-a-vis the concept of self is the importance of self-control. It is presented as a critical virtue, and lack of it is discouraged as a pathway to destructive outcomes. The Bible emphasizes mastering personal desires, emotions, and reactions as the hallmark of maturity and wisdom. This approach of mindful discipline actuates positive behaviors and attitudes leading to inner peace and building of harmonious relationships.
Who is the Selfless Individual in the Bible
Selflessness is highly regarded in the teachings of the Bible. Several verses expound on the importance of placing others’ needs before one’s own and championing the virtues of generosity and kindness. The Bible perceives selflessness as a testament to one’s spiritual growth and a reflection of God’s love for humanity. Moreover, it continues to inspire Christians worldwide to exhibit love and compassion towards others.
When Pride Limits Self-Growth
The Bible identifies pride as a negative aspect of self and cautions against its trappings. It is contended as humanoid nature that breeds arrogance and creates division among individuals. By prioritizing the self too highly, individuals can neglect the virtue of humility and their dependence on God. The Bible thus advises against such self-aggrandizing tendencies to foster spiritual and moral development.
Where does the Bible Position Self-Value?
Throughout the Bible, the theme of self-value, or self-worth, is very evident. Everyone is seen as a unique creation made in the image of God, embodying an inherent value that doesn’t rely on earthly possessions, achievements, or affirmations. This sense of value should inspire respect for self and others, anchoring one’s identity and purpose in God’s perspective, not societal constructs or personal accomplishments.
Below is our full list of bible verses on self (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Self
2 Timothy 1:7
“7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Related Themes: Fear Self Confidence Business Bullying Self-Control
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.”
Philippians 4:13
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Strength Omnipotence Self Confidence Life Greatness
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
John 3:30
“30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Related Themes: Humility Leadership Children Selflessness Surrender
Philippians 2:3
“3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
Related Themes: Pride Humility Respecting Your Parents
Luke 6:31
“31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
Related Themes: Gossip Business Judging Others Love Friendship
Romans 5:8
“8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Related Themes: Love Bitterness Greatness Sacrifice Fidelity
Isaiah 41:10
“10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Frustration Hope Strength Healing
Galatians 5:22-23
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Arguing Criticism Self-Control Strangers
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
Related Themes: Holiness Holy Spirit Omnipresence Gluttony Holy Spirit
Proverbs 25:28
“28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”
Related Themes: Self-Control Self Discipline Discipline Emotions Anger
Galatians 2:20
“20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Leviticus 19:28
“28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.”
Related Themes: Jewelry Youth Hair Modesty Cleanliness
Mark 12:31
“31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Related Themes: Love Equality Bullying Gossip Discrimination
1 Corinthians 10:13
“13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Related Themes: Lust Self-Control Addiction Strength Temptation
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Ephesians 2:19-22
“19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
Related Themes: Strangers Church Foundation Loneliness Identity
2 Corinthians 5:17
“17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Related Themes: New Beginnings New Life Criticism Creativity Earth
Psalm 139:13-14
“13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
Related Themes: Self-Esteem Children Self Confidence Creativity Education
Matthew 16:24
“24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
Related Themes: Surrendering Lust Indulgence Self-Esteem Idleness
Romans 12:1
“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Proverbs 16:32
“32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Related Themes: Patience Self-Control Bitterness Frustration Anger
Matthew 22:39
“39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Related Themes: Strangers Gold Abomination Reputation Trespassing
Ephesians 2:10
“10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Related Themes: Creativity Strangers Sovereignty Self-Esteem Technology
Genesis 1:27
“27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
Related Themes: Creativity Earth Identity Equality Self-Esteem
Psalm 139:14
“14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
Related Themes: Creativity Attitude Earth Omnipotence Beauty
Hebrews 4:16
“16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Related Themes: Grace Self Confidence Mercy New Life Quitting
Jeremiah 29:11
“11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Related Themes: Hope New Beginnings Patience Frustration Life
Philippians 1:6
“6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
Related Themes: Sovereignty Perseverance Hope Self Confidence Frustration
