Greed and selfishness are heart issues that can quietly take root in our lives. They promise satisfaction but often lead to emptiness, broken relationships, and spiritual distance from God. Whether it’s the craving for wealth, power, recognition, or simply putting ourselves first, these attitudes are cautioned against throughout Scripture.
The Bible doesn’t just tell us what not to do—it shows us a better way. It calls us to generosity, humility, and trust in God’s provision. These Bible verses about greed and selfishness are powerful reminders that real joy comes not from getting more, but from giving more, loving others, and relying on God.
1. Luke 12:15
Luke 12:15
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Explanation:
Jesus gives a clear warning here—greed can sneak in easily and lead us to value things over people or God. Life is about more than material success.
2. 1 Timothy 6:10
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Explanation:
Money itself isn’t evil, but loving it too much leads to all kinds of trouble. Greed can damage your faith and peace if it becomes your main pursuit.
3. Proverbs 28:25
Proverbs 28:25
The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.
Explanation:
Greed disrupts relationships and creates division, while trusting in God brings true prosperity—spiritual, emotional, and often practical as well.
4. Ecclesiastes 5:10
Ecclesiastes 5:10
Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.
Explanation:
Chasing money and wealth never leads to lasting satisfaction. This verse shows the emptiness of a greedy heart that’s always wanting more.
5. Philippians 2:3-4
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Explanation:
Selfishness is the opposite of love. This verse calls us to live humbly, focusing on others rather than constantly promoting ourselves.
6. Hebrews 13:5
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Explanation:
When we trust that God will provide, we don’t need to cling to money or things. Contentment grows when we remember that God is always with us.
7. James 3:16
James 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
Explanation:
Selfish ambition opens the door to chaos. A life driven by greed often becomes marked by strife and spiritual confusion.
8. Proverbs 11:24-25
Proverbs 11:24-25
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Explanation:
God’s economy flips our logic—giving leads to gain. Greed leads to loss, while generosity brings blessings and joy.
9. Matthew 6:24
Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Explanation:
Jesus makes it clear—our hearts can’t be divided. We must choose who (or what) we serve: God or money. Greed pulls us away from true devotion.
10. Galatians 5:19-21
Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy… Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Explanation:
Greed and selfish ambition are listed among serious sins of the flesh. This verse warns us that selfish living separates us from God’s kingdom.
11. 2 Timothy 3:1-2
2 Timothy 3:1-2
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.
Explanation:
Paul describes a society consumed by selfishness and greed. It’s a wake-up call to resist these tendencies and live differently as followers of Christ.
12. Titus 1:7
Titus 1:7
Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
Explanation:
This verse applies to leadership but reflects a principle for all Christians: greed and dishonesty have no place in a godly life.
13. Mark 8:36
Mark 8:36
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
Explanation:
Greed may bring success in the world’s eyes, but if it costs your soul, it’s not worth it. This verse reminds us to focus on eternal things.
14. Colossians 3:5
Colossians 3:5
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
Explanation:
Greed is more than bad behavior—it becomes a form of idolatry when we place money or possessions above God. We’re called to let go of it completely.
15. Luke 6:38
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Explanation:
This verse encourages generosity over greed. When we give freely, God responds with blessings that overflow—not just materially, but spiritually.
Living Free from Greed and Selfishness
Greed and selfishness are temptations we all face, but they don’t have to define our lives. God calls us to something better—a life of contentment, trust, and generosity. These Bible verses about greed and selfishness challenge us to look inward, to examine our hearts, and to choose a path that reflects God’s character.
You don’t have to live chained to the need for more. With God’s help, you can walk in freedom, serve others joyfully, and trust that He will provide all you truly need.
Which of these verses spoke to you today? Have you seen how generosity or humility has shaped your life or others’? Share your thoughts, testimonies, or favorite verses in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!