What is classified today by Psychologists as narcissistic personality disorder can be understood by a study of "the proud in spirit" in the bible. Since the “pride of life” is a temptation that is common to man (1 Cor.10:13, 1 Jn.2:16), we all wrestle against it within ourselves while we enjoy pointing it out in others. It is like the inflated ball that we try to force under water which keeps forcing its way back up, it keeps pressing into our thoughts. The spirit dwelling in man “lusteth to envy”- Jam.4:5. We hear the voice of the Pharisee of old within our own hearts “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are”. (Lk.18:11) While we should be thankful that by God’s grace we are what we are (1 Cor.15:10) and not what we could be, we must be diligent not to be highminded but think of ourselves soberly according to the measure of God (Rom.12:3, 2 Cor.10:13, 1 Cor.4:3-4, Gal.6:3). Thinking soberly is the opposite of thinking delusionally or separated from reality (Ac.26:25, 2 Cor.5:13). We are to gird up the loins of our mind and be sober (1 Pt.1:13), for the mind can be hardened in pride. (Dan.5:20) The way to keep ourselves from being highminded, is to fear God (Rom.11:20). Romans 12:16 also exhorts us to “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” Not to heed these instructions is to give place to the devil. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Pt.5:8).
The devil’s will, of course, is the root of all evil as he was lifted up with pride (1 Tim.3:6) loving the riches of his beauty and wisdom (Ezk.28:12-15, 1 Tim.6:10, 17) desiring to be like the Most High God and receive praise and worship not belonging to himself (Isa.14:12-14). (There is a similar tendency to get puffed up from the riches or excess of beauty, wisdom, power, and money. Jer.9:23-4, Psa.49:6, 52:7, Prv.18:23, Mk.10:23-5, Jam.2:6) Having an exaggerated view of himself, a grandiosity and entitlement mentality which trespassed upon the honour belonging to God only, he caused the destruction of untold numbers of angels (Mt.25:41, Rv.12:4). He has the distinct honor of being king over all the children of pride. (Job 41:34)
Pride is identified as self will here: “That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.” (Job 33:17) They are filled with their own ways. (Prv.14:14) And a study of the scriptures yields us the understanding that the will is the feature of the spirit of man which is in him. The spirit of man is manifested by his willingness or readiness, by his drive or his persistence. Consider a brief survey of the scriptures:
Matthew 26:41 …the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Mark 14:38 The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
Luke 1:80, 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit…
Acts 17:16 …his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
Acts 18:5 ...Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
Acts 18:25 …and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord…
Acts 19:21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit...
Acts 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem…
Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son… (2 Cor. 4:13 the same spirit of faith)
Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Exodus 35:21 And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing…
1 Chron. 5:26 And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria…
Deut. 2:30 ...hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate…
Isa.50:7 For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. (shame is from the conscience)
Ezek.3:9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Ezekiel 13:3 …follow their own spirit…
Job 32:18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
Psalm 77:6 …and my spirit made diligent search.
Isaiah 26:9 …with my spirit within me will I seek thee early:
Psalm 78:8 ...whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. (Here we see the soul desiring but a lack of spirit.)
Proverbs 14:29 …but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Eccles. 7:8-9...the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Eccles. 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
Proverbs 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
The spirit of man is necessary to keep him strong, diligent, consistent and stedfast, it also gives him courage and boldness and leadership. For example: “their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more” is elaborated upon as “hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man” (Josh.2:11, 5:1). These are traits that make men men. “Be of good courage, and let us play the men” 2 Sam.10:12 “Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly” 1 Chr.19:13. Men are characterized by traits of the spirit. 1 Cor.16:13 exhorts- “quit you like men, be strong”. 1 Sam.4:9 has- “Be strong and quit yourselves like men… quit yourselves like men, and fight.” In times of war and justice, the emotions of pity and mercy must be disregarded, as justice is more important than mercy; (with God justice to his creation is necessary but mercy is not- Rom.9:14-22) this is a function of the spirit also. Here in these passages we would observe the element of pitilessness (pity being a function of the soul), to not spare: Dt.7:16, 13:8,19:13. For examples of pity to be discarded for justice see: 1 Sam.16:1, Jer.7:16, Ps.106:30, Prv.19:18.
This is because the conscience or the ideas of right and wrong are in the “hidden man of the heart” (1 Pt.3:4). The conceptions of respect and honor (based upon righteousness) are also features of the heart in the spirit (Rom.2:29), and so we find expressions of being “judged of another man's conscience” (1 Cor. 10:29) or “being convicted by their own conscience” (Jn.8:9) or “our heart condemn us” (1 Jn.3:20). Romans 2:15 mentions “work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another”.
Along with righteousness and judgment come anger. Anger is good when righteous (Mk.3:5, Jn.2:15-17, Ex.32:19-20), but it is an emotion very close to losing control. “Be ye angry, and sin not” we are instructed (Eph.5:26). Again, “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry” (Ecc.7:9, Num.20:10-12). He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. (Prov. 16:32) He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. (Prov. 14:29)
When the spirit is weak or wanes, it is displayed in cowardice but also depression, lack of motivation, and fear:
Psalm 77:3 I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.
Psalm 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path.
Psalm 143:4 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
Proverbs 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
1 Kings 21:5 Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?
Josh.2:11- neither did there remain any more courage in any man (with 5:1)
So, there must be a healthy balance (Prv.14:30, 4:23) between soul, body and spirit in a Christians life. Since we are focusing on narcissism (or the bible word ‘pride’), we fall into a discussion of an imbalance or an unchecked spirit in man. These imbalances would not be a lack of spirit, rather an exaggerated spirit getting out of its place. It is someone filled with their own ways (Prv.14:14). If they are in spiritual leadership in the church, they tend to dominate the flock; if not transgress into a cultic exalting of themselves above measure and lording over their faith. Notice the descriptions of 'swelling' in scripture regarding the proud in spirit:
1 Tim.3:6- lifted up with pride
Zeph.2:10- magnified themselves
2 Pt.2:10- despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled
Jeremiah 13:17- But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride...
Ezk.16:49-50- this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness… And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me
2 Pt.2:18- they speak great swelling words of vanity
Jd.1:16- their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage
Col.2:18- vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind
Dt.18:20- presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak
Rom.12:3- not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think
1 Kin.1:5 exalted himself, saying, I will be king...
Proverbs 26:16- The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
2 Chr.25:19- thine heart lifteth thee up to boast
Dan.11:36- he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods
Ps.10:3 the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire
The prideful are also scorners (Prv.21:24); notice their characteristics. They do not like to be told they are wrong and actually attack when corrected (Prv. 9:7-8). They will not hear someone correct them (Prv.13:1) and do not like to be around someone smarter or better than themselves (Prv.15:12). They are wrathful people (Prv.21:24). They are also very envious people. (Jam.4:5, Prv.14:30) Envy is wanting what others have (status/reputation). When they envy someone, sometimes they have difficulty speaking peaceably to them (Gen.37:4, 11, Ac.7:9), operating in strife (Phil.1:15, 1 Tim.6:4,Tit.3:3). They try to turn others against the person they envy (Mt.27:18,Mk.15:10, Ac.13:45) Envy can lead one to great cruelty (Prv.27:4).
According to several websites Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), is more prevalent in males than females. This would be anticipated from our bible study.
They list some traits which they would claim NPD if you have 5 or more of them:
Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
Requires excessive admiration
Has a very strong sense of entitlement, e.g., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
Is exploitative of others, e.g., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
Lacks empathy, e.g., is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
Regularly shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
https://psychcentral.com/disorders/narcissistic-personality-disorder
Another site has this:
Signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and the severity of symptoms vary. People with the disorder can:
Have an exaggerated sense of self-importance
Have a sense of entitlement and require constant, excessive admiration
Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it
Exaggerate achievements and talents
Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate
Believe they are superior and can only associate with equally special people
Monopolize conversations and belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior
Expect special favors and unquestioning compliance with their expectations
Take advantage of others to get what they want
Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others
Be envious of others and believe others envy them
Behave in an arrogant or haughty manner, coming across as conceited, boastful and pretentious
Insist on having the best of everything — for instance, the best car or office
At the same time, people with narcissistic personality disorder have trouble handling anything they perceive as criticism, and they can:
Become impatient or angry when they don't receive special treatment
Have significant interpersonal problems and easily feel slighted
React with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make themselves appear superior
Have difficulty regulating emotions and behavior
Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change
Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection
Have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662
Again, this is elaborating on what we learned from the scriptures.
This site offers a test for you to see where you fall on the spectrum:
https://psychcentral.com/quizzes/narcissistic-personality-quiz/
As Christians, our heavenly Father faithfully chastens us (Heb.12:5-11, 1 Pt.5:6) and afflicts us to keep us humble (Dt.8:2-3), to keep us free from the iron shackles of pride (Ps.73:5-6). Giving ear unto his words (obedience Phil.2:8) in fear also leads one out of the maze of self-will (2 Kings 22:19, 2 Chr.7:14, 36:12, Jer.44:10, Prv.22:4). Likewise, does fasting humble the soul (Ps.35:13, 69:10). Condescending to men we think as lower estate than ourselves will also assist- Rom.12:15-16, Lk.14:10,Prv.27:5. James gives us a great overview in Ch.4:6-10 “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” These are ways how the spirit of man can stay constrained. These are ways how the death and resurrection of Christ can operate in us. Our pride and self will (not my will but thine be done Mt.26:39, Mk.14:36, Lk.22:42) were crucified with Christ (Rom.6:6, Gal.2:20). Love (1 Cor.13) being the source of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22-3) and the opposite of pride (1Cor.13:4-5) is manifested in us by the power of his resurrection (Rom.6:4, Col.3:10-12, Eph.4:23-4). Walk in love (Eph.5:2) as Christ the supreme example has loved us; described wonderfully here:
Phil.2:1-8 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Interesting article:
Study: Psychiatric Diagnoses Are ‘Scientifically Meaningless’ In Treating Mental Health
https://www.studyfinds.org/study-psychiatric-diagnoses-are-scientifically-meaningless/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190708131152.htm
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