Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a growing concern in American culture. Understanding the warning signs of narcissistic behavior can save you the trauma of becoming a victim.

The warning signs of narcissism, as described in psychological terms, can be related to various biblical teachings that address attitudes and behaviors often associated with narcissism. Here are some connections between the warning signs of narcissism and biblical teachings:

Pride and Humility

• Warning Sign: Exaggerated sense of self-importance.
• Biblical Teaching: The Bible consistently warns against pride and encourages humility. Proverbs 16:18 (ESV) states, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Love for Others:

• Warning Sign: Lack of empathy and exploitation of others.
• Biblical Teaching: The Bible emphasizes the importance of love for others. In Matthew 22:39 (ESV), Jesus says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Entitlement and Arrogance:

• Warning Signs: Belief in their own uniqueness and entitlement; arrogant behaviors.
• Biblical Teaching: The Bible encourages humility and warns against arrogance. Philippians 2:3 (ESV) advises, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

Exploitative Behavior:

• Warning Sign: Taking advantage of others.
• Biblical Teaching: The Bible calls for fair and just treatment of others. Proverbs 14:21 (ESV) says, “Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”

Lack of Empathy:

• Warning Sign: Difficulty understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Biblical Teaching: The Bible encourages empathy and compassion. Colossians 3:12 (ESV) states, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”

Healthy Relationships:

• Warning Sign: Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.
• Biblical Teaching: The Bible guides healthy relationships, emphasizing love, patience, and forgiveness. Ephesians 4:2 (ESV) says, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”

Fragile Self-Esteem:

• Warning Sign: Fragile self-esteem easily wounded by criticism.
• Biblical Teaching: The Bible encourages reliance on God and finding one’s identity in Him rather than worldly validation. Proverbs 29:25 (ESV) states, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

While the Bible does not explicitly address narcissistic personality disorder, its teachings provide principles that promote humility, love for others, and healthy relationships. Individuals and religious communities may turn to these teachings for guidance in addressing behaviors associated with narcissism and fostering a more compassionate and humble approach to relationships.