What does the Bible say about narcissism?
Narcissism is the term used in psychology to describe a preoccupation with self. It is a Greek term taken from the name of the mythological Narcissus, who fell in love with his own image and was doomed to die because he would not turn away from it. A narcissist is a person who displays a…
What does the Bible say about cynicism?
A cynic is someone who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest and that, as a result, no one can be trusted. Cynicism shows contempt for human nature in general and displays a large measure of distrust. Because cynical people are full of disdain for their fellow man, Christians should not be known as…
What does the Bible say about egotism / egoism?
Egotism is an excessive focus or occupation with oneself driven by an inflated sense of self-importance. Egoism is a preoccupation with oneself yet may be without the inflated self-importance. Egoism also refers to the belief that self-interest is the motivation for and/or the valid end of all action. The human tendency toward being an egotist/egoist…
What does the Bible say about being stubborn / stubbornness?
“Stubborn as a mule” is a well-known idiom. The Bible actually mentions mules in relation to their stubbornness in Psalm 32:9: “Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle.” When it comes to following God’s commands, we should not be stubborn or…
What does the Bible say about being mean-spirited?
A mean-spirited person is one whose natural impulse is to cause harm or trouble for others. We are all mean-spirited at times, but this article will focus upon those whose personalities are characterized the majority of the time by hateful, rude, or spiteful behavior. The fictional curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge, prior to his Christmas transformation, is…
What does the Bible say about self-gratification / self-pleasure?
Self-gratification is the act of pleasing oneself or satisfying one’s desires. Every living creature seeks self-gratification as a matter of survival. We feel hungry, so we find food. We are thirsty, so we search for water. God has placed pleasure sensors in our brains so that we feel satisfaction at the meeting of those needs.…
What does the Bible say about spying/eavesdropping?
When we spy or eavesdrop on someone, we are trying to gain information that is not being willingly shared with us. There are many cases in which eavesdropping or spying is a sin. But in other cases there may, in fact, be legitimate reasons to spy or eavesdrop. Spies are employed by governments as a…
What does the Bible say about disrespect?
In the Bible, disrespect is always a bad thing, and respect is universally a good thing. Respect is admiration for a person because of his or her position, abilities, qualities, or achievements. Respect is associated with esteem, regard, high opinion, admiration, reverence, deference, and honor. In the Bible, respect is more specifically the act of…
What does the Bible say about laziness?
Newton’s first law of motion states that an object in motion tends to remain in motion, and an object at rest tends to remain at rest. This law applies to people. While some are naturally driven to complete projects, others are apathetic, requiring motivation to overcome inertia. Laziness, a lifestyle for some, is a temptation…
What does the Bible say about being nosey?
Being nosey is a colloquial phrase not found in the Bible. When we say that a person is nosey (or nosy), it generally means he is being overly inquisitive. A nosey person interferes in business that doesn’t concern him, offers unwanted opinions, or asks too personal questions. Paul mentions widows who could be labeled as…