Ego is often misunderstood, with many believing it to be synonymous with vanity, pride or arrogance. In reality, ego can have positive as well as negative connotations and its importance in the Bible should not be underestimated. Here are 10 key Bible verses that help us understand what the Bible has to say about ego and how we ought to approach it.
Scripture about
10 Bible Verses about Ego
Philippians 2:1-10 ESV
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, …
John 5:30 ESV
“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.
John 5:31 ESV
If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true.
Colossians 4:6 ESV
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Proverbs 16:18 ESV
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
John 8:28 ESV
So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.
Mark 10:17-18 ESV
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
1 Peter 5:5 ESV
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Romans 12:3 ESV
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
Proverbs 22:4 ESV
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
Scripture about Ego KJV
My favorite Bible verse can be found in the King James Version of the Bible, Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” These verses show us that we should not rely on our own wisdom when making decisions—but instead put our faith and trust in God, who knows us intimately. He will lead us in the right direction if we acknowledge Him and commit our lives to Him. This is a reminder that we always have Someone to turn to—no matter what life throws at us.
FAQ about Ego in the Bible
What does ego mean in the Bible?
According to the Bible, ego is defined as self-centeredness or pride. It is seen in Scriptures such as Mark 7:21-23, which say “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.” The Bible also makes it clear that we should humble ourselves before God (James 4:10) and focus on growing spiritually (Colossians 3:12-14). Ultimately, ego must be completely cast aside if we are to serve God faithfully.
What does the Bible say about pride and ego?
The Bible speaks very strongly against pride and ego. Proverbs 16:18 reads: “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This is one of many verses that warn us about the danger of letting our ego decide for us. Additionally, scriptures such as Matthew 23:12 and Luke 14:11 caution us to keep our pride in check by not exalting ourselves above others. In summary, the Bible encourages us to step away from ego-driven behavior, and instead embrace humility, love, and godliness in order to serve God faithfully.
What is an example of ego in the Bible?
An example of ego in the Bible can be seen in the story of the Tower of Babel. In Genesis 11:1-9, God is angered by people’s pride, as they attempt to build a tower that “reaches to the heavens” and make a name for themselves. To demonstrate his wrath, God confuses their language, preventing them from finishing their project. This is an example of how ego leads to destruction and serves as a reminder to us all to stay humble before God.
What is the biblical word for ego?
The Bible does not specifically use the word ‘ego’, however, it often uses words such as pride, arrogance, and haughtiness to refer to ego-driven behavior. For example, Romans 12:3 reads: “For by the grace given unto me, I say unto every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly…” This verse speaks directly against having an unhealthy sense of pride and arrogance that can lead us astray.