Have you ever dealt with someone who is self-centered, manipulative, and completely lacking in empathy? Maybe it’s a friend who always makes everything about them, a boss who never admits they’re wrong, or even a family member who thrives on control.
If so, you’re not alone. The Bible has plenty to say about selfishness, arrogance, and hardened hearts—traits that align closely with narcissism. While the term “narcissist” doesn’t appear in Scripture, the warnings about pride, selfish ambition, and deceitful hearts are clear.
Let’s explore what God’s Word reveals about narcissistic traits, how to recognize them, and how to protect ourselves from their influence.
1. Narcissists Are Lovers of Themselves
One of the clearest biblical descriptions of narcissistic behavior is found in 2 Timothy 3:1-5:
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
This passage is a chilling description of narcissistic traits in action:
✔️ Self-love to the extreme
✔️ Pride and boasting
✔️ Lack of empathy (abusive, unforgiving)
✔️ Deceitfulness (appearing godly but denying true faith)
Biblical Advice:
The Bible warns us not to entangle ourselves with such people. This doesn’t mean we hate or mistreat them, but we should be wise in setting boundaries to protect ourselves spiritually and emotionally.
2. Narcissists Are Prideful and Arrogant
The Bible repeatedly warns about the dangers of pride, a defining characteristic of narcissists.
Proverbs 16:18 reminds us:
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Narcissists often refuse to admit fault, believe they are superior to others, and manipulate situations to maintain control. But the Bible makes it clear that pride leads to downfall.
Biblical Advice:
If you’re dealing with a prideful person who refuses correction, let God handle them. Instead of trying to change them, focus on guarding your heart (Proverbs 4:23) and seeking wisdom in how to respond.
3. Narcissists Deceive and Manipulate
Many narcissists use deception to gain control. They twist the truth, shift blame, and manipulate emotions to get what they want.
Jeremiah 9:8 warns about such people:
“Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully. With their mouths, they all speak cordially to their neighbors, but in their hearts, they set traps for them.”
Does this sound familiar? A narcissist may act charming and say all the right things in public, but behind the scenes, they are scheming for their own benefit.
Biblical Advice:
Jesus told us to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Be aware of manipulative tactics and do not fall into their traps.
4. Narcissists Lack Genuine Love and Empathy
A true narcissist struggles with empathy. They may pretend to care, but their actions often reveal their self-serving nature.
1 John 4:20 warns:
“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?”
Love is the defining characteristic of a follower of Christ. A narcissist’s constant lack of kindness, compassion, and true love is a strong indication of their spiritual state.
Biblical Advice:
If someone consistently treats you with selfishness and cruelty while claiming to follow God, pay attention to their actions, not just their words.
5. Narcissists Refuse Correction
One of the biggest frustrations when dealing with a narcissist is their complete unwillingness to admit they are wrong.
Proverbs 12:15 states:
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
Narcissists rarely take responsibility for their mistakes. Instead, they blame others, twist the story, or avoid accountability altogether.
Biblical Advice:
If someone refuses correction and only seeks to justify their actions, it may be best to step back and let God deal with them.
6. Narcissists Use Others for Their Own Gain
Many narcissists are extremely charming at first. They make you feel special—until they don’t need you anymore.
Proverbs 26:24-25 warns:
“A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart, he harbors deceit. Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.”
Narcissists often seek relationships not for mutual love and respect, but for what they can get out of them. Once they’ve extracted what they need, they move on without a second thought.
Biblical Advice:
Pray for discernment when dealing with people who seem too charming or self-serving. Not everyone who flatters you has good intentions.
7. How to Protect Yourself from Narcissists
While the Bible teaches us to love and forgive, it also teaches wisdom and boundaries. Here’s how you can protect yourself from narcissistic people while still honoring God:
- Set Clear Boundaries – You can love someone from a distance without allowing them to harm you. (Proverbs 4:23 – “Guard your heart above all else.”)
- Do Not Engage in Foolish Arguments – Narcissists love to create drama and provoke reactions. Stay calm and walk away from unnecessary conflict. (Proverbs 26:4 – “Do not answer a fool according to his folly.”)
- Trust God for Justice – Instead of seeking revenge, leave judgment to the Lord. (Romans 12:19 – “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”)
- Surround Yourself with Godly People – Seek friendships and relationships that reflect true biblical love and humility. (Proverbs 13:20 – “Walk with the wise and become wise.”)
Final Takeaway: Walk in Wisdom and Stay Rooted in Christ
The Bible is clear—selfish, deceitful, and prideful people exist, and their actions can be harmful. But as believers, we are called to walk in wisdom, guard our hearts, and trust God to handle the battles we cannot fight on our own.
If you’ve been dealing with a narcissist, remember this: Their behavior is not a reflection of your worth, but a revelation of their heart. You are loved by God, valued beyond measure, and called to live in peace, not in the shadow of someone else’s pride.
Instead of allowing a narcissist to steal your joy, keep your focus on Christ, who walks beside you—not ahead of you, not behind you, but with you, every step of the way.