Scripture Over Psychological Terms

When bringing a matter about someone to counsel, especially if it is truly serious, it should be able to be established through the language of Scripture.

Rather than relying on psychological terms like “narcissism” or “narcissists”, which can often be overused or interpreted subjectively, it may be more effective to describe the behavior using what Scripture already defines as pride, vainglory, deception, oppression, hypocrisy, being a lover of self, slander, etc.

This doesn’t mean the matter isn’t valid. However, using Scriptural language will strengthen the case because it lines up with the standard of Truth, which is the Bible, by which the matter will ultimately be judged with.

In counsel, clarity and authority matter. Framing the issue through Scripture can help ensure the matter is both understood, taken seriously, and judged righteously instead of it being seen as just someone using what they heard from social media.

Some of the language that the word “narcissism” encompasses that may help is present in 2 Timothy 3:1-7, Proverbs 6:16-19, Romans 1:28-32.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.