• James 3:13-18
    Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
     
  • Galatians 5:19-21
    Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
     
  • Philippians 2:3-4
    Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
     
  • 1 Corinthians 13:5
    does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
     
  • 2 Timothy 3:1-2
    But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
     
  • 2 Timothy 3:4-5
    traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
     
  • James 4:2-3
    You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Self Seeking


Resources

Overcoming (Part 7): Selfishness

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Perhaps the main impediment to overcoming is our innate selfishness. Our goal is to bear the character of our God, whose primary characteristic outgoing concern.


The Essence of Self-Control

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

A lack of self-control, as well as the cultivation of self-indulgent perversions, will characterize large segments of our society living at the end times.


The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth

Article by J. Edwin Pope

Meekness is not the most sought after of character traits, but it is a necessary one for Christians. Here are three steps to developing it in our lives.


James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.


Envy: The Most Precious Daughter

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

It is easy to follow in Satan's footsteps, courting his daughter Envy, reaping the disquiet which accompanies her. Envy comes from pushing God from our thoughts.


Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part Two)

'Ready Answer' by Staff

James' exhortation about the use of the tongue seems to stop with James 3:12. However, the rest of the chapter provides more wisdom on controlling our speech.


Pride, Humility, and the Day of Atonement

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Atonement, when we are commanded to afflict our souls, is a time of self-evaluation and repentance. This is the only way to have real unity with God.


Unity (Part 7): Ephesians 4 (D)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Because of our lack of self-discipline and willingness to guard the truth, we have allowed our theological base to deteriorate under the persuasion of the world.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Self Seeking