galatians 5:17 niv

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

ecclesiastes 3:12-13 niv

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.

romans 12:2 niv

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.

i corinthians 10:31, 33, 24 niv

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

...even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

judges 9:8-13 csb

The trees decided to anoint a king over themselves. They said to the olive tree, "Reign over us."

But the olive tree said to them, "Should I stop giving my oil that people use to honor both God and men, and rule over the trees?"

Then the trees said to the fig tree, "Come and reign over us."

But the fig tree said to them, "Should I stop giving my sweetness and my good fruit, and rule over trees?"

Later, the trees said to the grapevine, "Come and reign over us."

But the grapevine said to them, "Should I stop giving my wine that cheers both God and man, and rule over trees?"

john 12:24 esv

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

john 3:30 esv

He must increase, but I must decrease."

psalm 62:9 csb

Common people are only a vapor; important people, an illusion. Together on a scale, they weigh less than a vapor.

ecclesiastes 4:8 niv

There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" This too is meaningless— a miserable business!

psalm 73:9-12, 17-20 niv

Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, "How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?" This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.

...till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

i peter 1:18 niv

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors...

acts 13:36 niv

"Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.

ephesians 1:11-12 niv

In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him Who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.

ii corinthians 10:12-18 niv

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the Gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory. But, "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

ecclesiastes 4:4 esv

Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

i thessalonians 5:14-18 esv

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

i timothy 2:1-3 esv

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior...

i thessalonians 4:11-12 niv

and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

james 3:16 niv

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.