Selfishness, as a concept, is addressed throughout the Bible, often in the context of human behavior that deviates from God's commandments. In the Jewish context, the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers and consequences of selfishness, both for individuals and the community of Israel.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of selfishness, often contrasting it with the virtues of generosity and communal responsibility. The Law given to Moses includes numerous commands designed to curb selfish behavior and promote a society where the needs of all are considered. For instance, the practice of gleaning, as outlined in Leviticus 19:9-10 , instructs landowners not to harvest the edges of their fields or gather the gleanings of their harvest, leaving them for the poor and the foreigner. This law serves as a direct counter to selfishness, encouraging the Israelites to think beyond their own needs.

The prophets also spoke against selfishness, often linking it to social injustice and idolatry. In Isaiah 58:6-7 , the prophet calls for a fast that involves sharing food with the hungry and providing shelter to the homeless, emphasizing that true worship of God involves selfless acts of kindness and justice.

Examples of Selfishness

Several narratives in the Old Testament illustrate the destructive nature of selfishness. One notable example is the account of Achan in Joshua 7. Achan's selfish act of taking forbidden items from Jericho led to Israel's defeat at Ai and brought trouble upon the entire community. His actions demonstrate how individual selfishness can have far-reaching consequences for the collective.

Another example is found in the account of King Saul, whose selfish desire to maintain his power and status led him to disobey God's commands. In 1 Samuel 15:22-23 , Samuel rebukes Saul, stating that obedience is better than sacrifice, highlighting that Saul's self-centered actions were a form of rebellion against God.

Teachings Against Selfishness

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses selfishness. Proverbs 11:24-25 teaches that "One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This passage underscores the paradox that true prosperity comes not from hoarding but from generosity.

The Psalms frequently contrast the righteous and the wicked, often associating the wicked with selfishness and greed. Psalm 10:3 states, "For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD." Here, selfishness is linked to a rejection of God and His ways.

New Testament Reflections

While the focus here is on the Jewish context, it is worth noting that the New Testament continues to address the issue of selfishness, often building upon the foundations laid in the Old Testament. Jesus' teachings, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), emphasize selflessness and compassion, values deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition.

In summary, the Jewish Scriptures provide a comprehensive view of selfishness, portraying it as a significant moral failing that disrupts one's relationship with God and the community. Through laws, narratives, and teachings, the Bible consistently calls for a life of generosity, justice, and selflessness, reflecting the character of God Himself.Zechariah 7:6
And when you did eat, and when you did drink, did not you eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Paul Appeals to Caesar
... and that forced the heralds of the gospel to turn from the Jews to proclaim ... followers
of Christ there is the same pride, formalism, and selfishness, the same ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 40 paul appeals to.htm

The Christian's Fellow Man
... This selfishness is also at the root of the arrogance which causes men to ... The Jews
in their proud isolation considered themselves the chosen people of God and ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study iv the christians fellow.htm

Josephus and the Works which He Has Left.
... the Grammarian, who had at that time written a treatise against the Jews, and also ...
was a man of learning and of talent, but of inordinate selfishness and self ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ix josephus and the works.htm

Esther's Venture
... go-between, who told her of the insane decree for the destruction of the Jews, and
of ... Pure selfishness should send her to the king; for, if she did not go, she ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/esthers venture.htm

Human Government.
... But the facts are, that God did give to the Jews, at least, an express ... right of one
human being to enslave another, in a sense that implies selfishness on the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxi human government.htm

The Broken and Contrite Heart
... But God says to these poor Jews, Do not fancy that I have taken ... has not made them
restless: but they themselves, with their pride, selfishness, violent passions ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xvii the broken and.htm

Love's Prodigality Censured and vindicated
... also to death; because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away ... of love which
delights to give its best, and Judas, the type of selfishness which is ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture i/loves prodigality censured and vindicated.htm

The True Sign
... cases their selfishness and oppression had caused the affliction that Christ relieved.
Thus His miracles were to them a reproach. That which led the Jews to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 44 the true sign.htm

Corinth
... their worldliness, their love of station, titles, and display, and their inordinate
selfishness. ... But the Jews of Corinth closed their eyes to the evidence so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 24 corinth.htm

The Introduction of the Gospel into Europe, and the Ministry of ...
... Jews were prompted by mere bigotry to display hatred to the gospel"but the Gentiles
were generally guided by the still more ignoble principle of selfishness. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter vi the introduction of.htm

What does the Bible say about selfishness? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org

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Selfishness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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