Selfishness, a pervasive human trait, is often at the root of conflict and suffering. The Bible, a guidebook for life, is replete with examples of individuals whose selfish desires led to dire consequences. Understanding these examples can serve as a cautionary tale and help us navigate our own lives with greater wisdom and compassion.
In this article, we will explore 16 examples of selfishness in the Bible, ranging from the well-known stories of Adam and Eve to lesser-known figures like Diotrephes. These examples shed light on the destructive nature of selfishness and emphasize the importance of selflessness in our relationships and interactions.
Examples of Selfishness in the Bible
#1. Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve’s story in Genesis portrays a prime example of selfishness. Despite God’s clear instruction not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they succumbed to their own desires. Driven by a desire for knowledge and power, they prioritized their own curiosity over obedience to God. This act of selfishness not only brought sin into the world but also severed their close relationship with God and introduced suffering and death into the world.
#2. Cain and Abel
The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and selfishness. Cain’s jealousy of Abel’s favor with God led him to commit the heinous act of murder. Instead of rejoicing in his brother’s blessings, Cain allowed his selfish desires to consume him, resulting in the tragic loss of life and the first instance of fratricide recorded in the Bible. Cain’s selfishness not only cost Abel his life but also brought a curse upon himself and his descendants.
#3. Lot’s Wife
Lot’s wife, mentioned in Genesis, serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of selfish attachment to worldly possessions. When fleeing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, she disobeyed the angels’ warning not to look back. Her action revealed her selfish desire to cling to her material possessions and her past life, rather than trusting in God’s provision and protection. As a consequence of her selfishness, she was turned into a pillar of salt, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of prioritizing worldly possessions over obedience to God.
#4. King Saul
King Saul’s life is marked by a series of selfish decisions that ultimately led to his downfall. Despite being chosen by God to be king, Saul repeatedly disobeyed God’s commands out of selfish ambition and fear of losing his power. One of the most striking examples of his selfishness is seen in his failure to completely destroy the Amalekites as God had commanded. Instead of obeying God, Saul spared the best of the plunder for himself, showing a blatant disregard for God’s authority and leading to his rejection as king.
#5. King Ahab and Jezebel
The story of King Ahab and Jezebel in 1 Kings is a sobering example of the destructive consequences of selfishness and greed. Ahab’s coveting of Naboth’s vineyard and Jezebel’s ruthless actions to fulfill his desire reveal the depths of their selfish ambition. They were willing to resort to murder and deceit to satisfy their own desires, disregarding the commandments of God and showing a complete lack of regard for human life. Their selfishness not only led to their own downfall but also brought judgment upon their dynasty.
#6. The Rich Fool
In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool to illustrate the folly of selfishness. The rich man in the parable was blessed with a bountiful harvest but instead of sharing his abundance, he decided to hoard it for himself. He tore down his barns to build bigger ones, thinking he could store all his crops and goods and live a life of ease. However, God called him a fool because that very night his life was demanded from him. This parable warns against the selfish pursuit of wealth and material possessions without considering the needs of others or one’s own mortality.
#7. The Rich Man and Lazarus
In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells another parable about a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. The rich man lived in luxury, dressed in fine clothes, and feasted sumptuously every day, while Lazarus lay at his gate, covered in sores, longing for scraps from the rich man’s table. Both men died, and Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham’s side, while the rich man was tormented in Hades. The rich man’s selfishness and lack of compassion for Lazarus led to his eternal separation from God. This parable serves as a stark reminder of the importance of showing compassion and generosity towards others, especially the less fortunate.
#8. The Israelites in the Wilderness
Throughout their journey in the wilderness, the Israelites demonstrated selfishness and lack of faith in God. Despite God’s miraculous provision of manna and quail, they grumbled and complained, longing for the food they had in Egypt. Their selfish desires led them to doubt God’s provision and rebel against His leadership. This lack of faith ultimately prevented them from entering the promised land. Their story serves as a warning against the dangers of selfishness and the importance of trusting in God’s provision and guidance.
#9. The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law
The Pharisees and teachers of the law in Jesus’ time were known for their selfishness and hypocrisy. They placed heavy burdens on others but were unwilling to lift a finger to help them. They were more concerned with their outward appearance and reputation than with the true heart of worship and service to God. Jesus rebuked them for their selfishness and warned his followers not to follow their example. Their story serves as a cautionary tale against selfishness and hypocrisy in religious practice.
#10. Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, is perhaps one of the most infamous examples of selfishness in the Bible. Despite being chosen by Jesus as one of the twelve, Judas betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders for thirty pieces of silver. His selfishness and greed led him to betray the Son of God, ultimately leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. Judas’ story serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive consequences of selfishness and greed, and the importance of loyalty and faithfulness to God.
#11. Ananias and Sapphira
In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira’s story serves as a cautionary tale of selfishness and deceit. They sold a piece of property but kept back some of the proceeds for themselves, lying to the apostles and claiming they had given the full amount. Their selfish desire to appear more generous than they actually were led to their deaths. Peter confronted them, saying, “You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:4), highlighting the seriousness of their sin. Their story demonstrates the danger of selfishness and dishonesty in the early church.
#12. Demas
In 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul writes about Demas, who deserted him because he loved the world. Demas’ selfish desire for worldly pleasure and comfort led him to abandon his fellow believers and the ministry. His example serves as a warning against the allure of worldly desires and the importance of staying faithful to God’s calling.
#13. Gehazi
In 2 Kings 5, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, demonstrates selfishness and greed. After Naaman was healed of leprosy by Elisha, he offered gifts to Elisha, but Elisha refused. Gehazi, however, pursued Naaman and lied to him, asking for gifts on Elisha’s behalf. Gehazi’s selfishness and deceit led to him being struck with leprosy, serving as a punishment for his actions and a warning against the dangers of greed and dishonesty.
#14. The Disciples
Even Jesus’ own disciples were not immune to selfishness. In Mark 9:33-34, the disciples argued among themselves about who was the greatest. Their selfish ambition and desire for status and recognition clashed with Jesus’ teachings on humility and servanthood. Jesus used this opportunity to teach them that true greatness comes from serving others rather than seeking to be served.
#15. Simon the Sorcerer
In Acts 8:9-24, Simon the Sorcerer’s story demonstrates the danger of selfish ambition and desire for power. When he saw the apostles performing miracles through the Holy Spirit, he offered them money in exchange for the ability to impart the Holy Spirit. Peter rebuked him, saying, “Your heart is not right before God” (Acts 8:21), highlighting the seriousness of his sin. Simon’s story serves as a warning against seeking spiritual gifts for selfish gain rather than for the glory of God.
#16. Diotrephes
In 3 John 1:9-10, John writes about Diotrephes, who loved to be first and refused to acknowledge the authority of the apostles. His selfish ambition and desire for power led him to reject the teachings of the apostles and hinder the work of the church. John condemns his actions, saying, “If I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church” (3 John 1:10). Diotrephes’ story serves as a warning against selfishness and pride in leadership positions within the church.
Closing Thoughts
The examples of selfishness in the Bible serve as powerful reminders of the destructive nature of putting our own desires above God and others. From Adam and Eve’s disobedience to Diotrephes’ selfish ambition, these stories show the consequences of selfishness in relationships, communities, and our relationship with God. They call us to examine our own hearts and actions, to seek God’s guidance in overcoming selfishness, and to strive to live lives of selflessness and love. As we reflect on these examples, may we be inspired to follow the example of Jesus, who, as written in Mark 10:45, came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.