The Bible warns against feelings of entitlement, reminding us to focus on gratitude and humility. Today, we’ll learn what Scripture says about replacing entitlement with a heart of thankfulness.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Enthusiasm
What Does The Bible Say About Entitlement
Proverbs 21:26
All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.
This verse highlights the contrast between those who constantly crave for more and those who generously give without holding back. It reminds us that righteousness is not driven by a sense of entitlement, but rather by a willingness to give selflessly.
James 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
God’s grace is freely given to those who humble themselves before Him. This verse reminds us that a sense of entitlement goes against God’s nature, as He opposes the proud. Instead, we are called to approach God with humility, acknowledging our need for His grace.
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
This verse emphasizes the importance of finding contentment in godliness rather than pursuing worldly gain. It reminds us that true fulfillment comes from living a godly life, rather than seeking material possessions with a sense of entitlement.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
This verse encourages us to have a humble attitude and to value others above ourselves. It reminds us to set aside any sense of entitlement and instead focus on selflessness and putting the needs of others before our own.
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.”
Jesus warns against the danger of greed and placing too much importance on material possessions. This verse reminds us that life’s true value is not found in what we possess, but rather in our relationship with God and our ability to cultivate a heart of gratitude, free from entitlement.
Matthew 20:28
Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus sets the ultimate example of selflessness and servant-heartedness. This verse reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His attitude of sacrificial love and service, leaving no room for entitlement.
Proverbs 28:25
The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.
This verse draws a connection between greed and strife, emphasizing that those who are driven by selfish desires and a sense of entitlement often cause conflict. Conversely, those who put their trust in the Lord and seek His guidance will experience true prosperity.
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus’ mission on Earth was not to be served but to serve others selflessly. This verse reminds us that as Christ-followers, we should prioritize serving others rather than expecting others to serve us, rejecting any sense of entitlement.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
This verse encourages us to persevere in doing good and serving others, reminding us that our efforts will be rewarded in due time. It reminds us that entitlement has no place in our service, but rather a steadfast commitment to doing good despite any weariness we may feel.
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
This verse cautions against thinking too highly of oneself and falling into a sense of entitlement. It encourages us to have a balanced and realistic view of ourselves, recognizing that we all have been given different measures of faith and abilities by God.
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.”
This verse reminds us of the principle of generosity and the abundance that comes from giving without a sense of entitlement. It assures us that when we give freely, we will receive in return, but our measure of receiving is directly related to the measure we use to give.
1 Corinthians 10:24
No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
This verse challenges us to prioritize the good of others over our own desires and interests. It reminds us that a sense of entitlement hinders our ability to genuinely care for and serve others, calling us to a selfless mindset.
Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
By declaring that the Lord is our shepherd and that we lack nothing, this verse reminds us that our fulfillment comes from God, not from a sense of entitlement. It reiterates that we can trust in the Lord to provide for all our needs.
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.”
This verse encourages contentment and warns against the love of money. It reminds us that our confidence and security should not be rooted in material possessions but in the assurance of God’s presence and faithfulness.
Luke 14:11
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
This verse emphasizes the importance of humility over a sense of entitlement. It reminds us that those who exalt themselves and think highly of themselves will eventually be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be lifted up by God.
Proverbs 20:21
An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.
This verse warns against the sense of entitlement that can arise when claiming an inheritance prematurely. It reminds us to patiently wait for God’s timing and blessings, rather than trying to forcefully assert our rights.
1 Peter 5:5
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
This verse highlights the importance of humility in our relationships with one another. It encourages us to submit to our elders and treat one another with humility, reminding us that God’s favor rests upon the humble, not the proud.
1 Corinthians 3:7
So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
This verse reminds us that we are not entitled to credit or glory for our efforts, as it is ultimately God who brings about growth and success. It humbles us and redirects our focus to recognizing God’s role in all things.
Matthew 5:42
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
This verse encourages us to be generous and willing to give to those in need. It challenges any sense of entitlement that may cause us to withhold assistance from others, reminding us of the importance of selfless giving.
Proverbs 11:25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
This verse emphasizes the connection between generosity and prosperity. It suggests that a generous, selfless attitude brings blessings and refreshment not only to others but also to the giver, undermining any sense of entitlement and replacing it with a spirit of generosity.
Luke 6:30
Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.
This verse challenges us to have a heart of generosity and to let go of any sense of entitlement over our possessions. It emphasizes the importance of giving freely and not seeking to reclaim what has been taken from us.
Matthew 25:40
The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
This verse highlights the significance of serving and caring for others, reminding us that in doing so, we are ultimately serving and honoring Christ Himself. It challenges any notion of entitlement and redirects our focus to loving and serving others selflessly.