Envy often creeps in when we compare ourselves to others, leaving us feeling dissatisfied and resentful. The Bible addresses envy as a harmful attitude that steals our joy and disrupts our focus on God’s blessings. Today, we’ll examine how Scripture helps us overcome envy and find contentment in what God has given us.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Disrespectful
What Does The Bible Say About Being Envious
Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of envy. Envy not only causes emotional distress but can also have negative physical effects on our bodies. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a heart at peace, rather than allowing envy to eat away at our well-being.
James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
This verse emphasizes the consequences of envy and selfish ambition. Envy leads to disorder and fosters a mindset that promotes every kind of evil and harmful behavior. It reminds us of the importance of nurturing contentment and avoiding envy to maintain a healthy and harmonious life.
Proverbs 23:17
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.”
This verse advises against envying sinners and instead encourages us to focus on our reverence for God. Envy often arises when we see the apparent success or enjoyment of wrongdoers. Instead of being jealous, we are called to channel our energy into pursuing a deep and genuine relationship with the Lord.
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
This verse reminds us to guard against becoming conceited and engaging in behaviors that provoke envy and competition among others. Instead, we are urged to foster humility and mutual support, recognizing that envy only hinders our relationships and unity within the body of Christ.
Proverbs 24:1
“Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company;”
This verse cautions us against envying the wicked and desiring their companionship. Envy can lead us astray and tempt us to align ourselves with those who do not follow God’s ways. Instead, we are encouraged to seek righteousness and surround ourselves with those who honor and obey the Lord.
1 Corinthians 3:3
“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?”
In this verse, the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian believers, rebuking them for their jealousy and quarreling. He points out that envy is a characteristic of the world and should not be present among Christians. It challenges us to examine our actions and attitudes, reminding us that our conduct should reflect our transformed nature in Christ.
Psalm 73:3
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
The psalmist admits to struggling with envy when observing the prosperity of the wicked. This verse serves as a reminder that even the most faithful can wrestle with envy at times. It encourages us to turn to God in such moments, seeking His wisdom and understanding to overcome the temptation to envy.
Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.”
This verse warns against envying the violent and the ways they employ to achieve their desires. It cautions us against adopting their methods or seeking to emulate their behavior. Instead, we are called to follow the path of righteousness and pursue peace, knowing that envy only leads to destruction.
James 4:5
“Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?”
This verse highlights how God jealously longs for the spirit that He has placed within us. It reminds us of the depth of God’s affection for His children and serves as a powerful motivator to resist envying others. When we fully embrace and appreciate our own unique gifts and blessings, we can avoid being envious of others and instead focus on fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.
1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
Instructing believers to live holy lives, this verse urges us to rid ourselves of envy and all other harmful attitudes and actions. Envy is listed among behaviors that are contrary to a Christlike character. As we strive to imitate Jesus, we are called to leave behind envy and embrace love, humility, and purity.
Proverbs 6:34
“For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.”
This verse illustrates the damaging effects of jealousy, particularly in a marital context. Envy can disrupt relationships and provoke destructive reactions. It serves as a warning against allowing jealousy to fester, reminding us of the importance of cultivating trust, security, and contentment in our relationships.
Proverbs 27:4
“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
This verse emphasizes the immense power and destructive nature of jealousy. It suggests that jealousy can be more overwhelming and difficult to control than anger or fury. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the havoc envy can wreak on our lives and relationships, urging us to guard our hearts against its grip.
Titus 3:3
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.”
This verse acknowledges our fallen state before coming to Christ, highlighting how envy can lead us into harmful patterns of behavior. It reminds us to be grateful for God’s transforming grace and to strive towards love, forgiveness, and unity, rather than allowing envy to poison our relationships.
Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of envy. Envy not only causes emotional distress but can also have negative physical effects on our bodies. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a heart at peace, rather than allowing envy to eat away at our well-being.
James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
This verse emphasizes the consequences of envy and selfish ambition. Envy leads to disorder and fosters a mindset that promotes every kind of evil and harmful behavior. It reminds us of the importance of nurturing contentment and avoiding envy to maintain a healthy and harmonious life.
Proverbs 23:17
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.”
This verse advises against envying sinners and instead encourages us to focus on our reverence for God. Envy often arises when we see the apparent success or enjoyment of wrongdoers. Instead of being jealous, we are called to channel our energy into pursuing a deep and genuine relationship with the Lord.
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
This verse reminds us to guard against becoming conceited and engaging in behaviors that provoke envy and competition among others. Instead, we are urged to foster humility and mutual support, recognizing that envy only hinders our relationships and unity within the body of Christ.
Proverbs 24:1
“Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company;”
This verse cautions us against envying the wicked and desiring their companionship. Envy can lead us astray and tempt us to align ourselves with those who do not follow God’s ways. Instead, we are encouraged to seek righteousness and surround ourselves with those who honor and obey the Lord.
1 Corinthians 3:3
“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?”
In this verse, the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian believers, rebuking them for their jealousy and quarreling. He points out that envy is a characteristic of the world and should not be present among Christians. It challenges us to examine our actions and attitudes, reminding us that our conduct should reflect our transformed nature in Christ.
Psalm 73:3
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
The psalmist admits to struggling with envy when observing the prosperity of the wicked. This verse serves as a reminder that even the most faithful can wrestle with envy at times. It encourages us to turn to God in such moments, seeking His wisdom and understanding to overcome the temptation to envy.
Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.”
This verse warns against envying the violent and the ways they employ to achieve their desires. It cautions us against adopting their methods or seeking to emulate their behavior. Instead, we are called to follow the path of righteousness and pursue peace, knowing that envy only leads to destruction.
James 4:5
“Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?”
This verse highlights how God jealously longs for the spirit that He has placed within us. It reminds us of the depth of God’s affection for His children and serves as a powerful motivator to resist envying others. When we fully embrace and appreciate our own unique gifts and blessings, we can avoid being envious of others and instead focus on fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.
1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
Instructing believers to live holy lives, this verse urges us to rid ourselves of envy and all other harmful attitudes and actions. Envy is listed among behaviors that are contrary to a Christlike character. As we strive to imitate Jesus, we are called to leave behind envy and embrace love, humility, and purity.
Proverbs 6:34
“For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.”
This verse illustrates the damaging effects of jealousy, particularly in a marital context. Envy can disrupt relationships and provoke destructive reactions. It serves as a warning against allowing jealousy to fester, reminding us of the importance of cultivating trust, security, and contentment in our relationships.
Proverbs 27:4
“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
This verse emphasizes the immense power and destructive nature of jealousy. It suggests that jealousy can be more overwhelming and difficult to control than anger or fury. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the havoc envy can wreak on our lives and relationships, urging us to guard our hearts against its grip.
Titus 3:3
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.”
This verse acknowledges our fallen state before coming to Christ, highlighting how envy can lead us into harmful patterns of behavior. It reminds us to be grateful for God’s transforming grace and to strive towards love, forgiveness, and unity, rather than allowing envy to poison our relationships.