For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to see these negative traits as isolated problems, but Paul links them directly to being "lovers of self." This reveals that the root of so much dysfunction, from greed to disobedience, is an inward-focused perspective that elevates the self above all else, including God and others.
For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing to Timothy, his young protégé, about the difficult times that will come in the "last days." He's warning Timothy about the kinds of people and behaviors he'll encounter, describing them as self-centered, materialistic, and disrespectful, to prepare him for the challenges ahead and to encourage him to stay true to the gospel.
The Bible paints a vivid picture of the 'last days.' It's not just about global events, but about the human heart.
Paul lists traits that define people in these times. Notice the starting point: 'lovers of self.' This isn't just liking yourself; it's an all-consuming devotion to your own interests, desires, and comfort above all else. When self is the ultimate object of worship, other negative traits naturally follow. It's like a ripple effect, starting from the individual's inner world and expanding outwards.
The list in 2 Timothy 3:2 moves from internal focus to external actions. What's the next major warning sign?
Immediately after 'lovers of self,' Paul states 'lovers of money.' These two often go hand-in-hand. A heart consumed with self-interest easily becomes fixated on accumulating wealth as a means to satisfy those desires. It's about valuing possessions and financial gain over people and eternal riches. This pursuit can lead to arrogance, abuse, and a profound lack of thankfulness for what God has already provided.
The passage doesn't just describe internal attitudes, but the disintegration of relational bonds.
The latter part of the verse lists traits like 'proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.' These reveal a society where respect for authority, elders, and even the divine is eroded. Pride and arrogance lead to mistreatment of others. Disobedience to parents signifies a rebellion against foundational structures of order and honor. Ungratefulness and unholiness point to a deep disconnect from God and the natural order He established.
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Understand the original words
philautos · Greek Adjective
Self-centeredness; an inordinate, idolatrous love for oneself that displaces love for God and others.
philargyros · Greek Adjective
The desire for material wealth that leads to corruption, greed, and a disregard for spiritual priorities.
hyperēphanos · Greek Adjective
Excessive self-esteem or hubris; looking down on others while elevating one's own status or achievements above God's standard.
anosios · Greek Adjective
A character trait marked by a lack of sacred respect or moral purity; profane or common in the sense of being alienated from God.
This passage provides a similar, extensive list of negative character traits and actions that mirror the 'lovers of self' attitude described in 2 Timothy, showing a pattern of societal decay.
Luke 12:15Jesus directly warns against greed ('a person's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions') which aligns with the description of people being 'lovers of money' in 2 Timothy.
Proverbs 16:18This proverb offers a pithy warning about pride ('Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall'), directly reflecting the 'proud, arrogant' characteristics mentioned in 2 Timothy.
Matthew 15:19Jesus lists evil thoughts that come from within a person, including 'conceit' and 'foolishness,' which resonates with the internal character flaws detailed in 2 Timothy 3:2.
It's easy to see these negative traits as isolated problems, but Paul links them directly to being "lovers of self." This reveals that the root of so much dysfunction, from greed to disobedience, is an inward-focused perspective that elevates the self above all else, including God and others.
Paul is writing to Timothy, his young protégé, about the difficult times that will come in the "last days." He's warning Timothy about the kinds of people and behaviors he'll encounter, describing them as self-centered, materialistic, and disrespectful, to prepare him for the challenges ahead and to encourage him to stay true to the gospel.
Paul is writing to Timothy, his young protégé, about the difficult times that will come in the "last days." He's warning Timothy about the kinds of people and behaviors he'll encounter, describing them as self-centered, materialistic, and disrespectful, to prepare him for the challenges ahead and to encourage him to stay true to the gospel.
"For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy," — It's easy to see these negative traits as isolated problems, but Paul links them directly to being "lovers of self." This reveals that the root of so much dysfunction, from greed to disobedience, is…
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Last reviewed October 2026