Envy is an age-old struggle that can eat away at our happiness and peace. The Bible addresses this common human emotion, offering guidance on how to overcome envy and find contentment. Join us as we explore these verses, gaining insight into the destructive nature of envy and the path to a more fulfilling life free from its grip.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Power Of Words
Bible Verses About Envy
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. It reveals that envy can have negative effects not only on our emotional well-being but also on our physical health. Envy can eat away at us from the inside, causing bitterness, resentment, and even physical ailments. It serves as a reminder to cultivate a heart of peace and contentment, focusing on gratitude for what we have rather than comparing ourselves to others.
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 admonishes the Corinthians for their jealousy and quarreling. He reminds them that these behaviors are characteristic of those who are still driven by worldly desires and concerns, rather than being guided by the Spirit of God. This verse challenges us to examine our own actions and motivations, encouraging us to strive for unity and love, rather than being consumed by envy or engaging in conflicts that arise from it.
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Here, Paul urges the Galatians to avoid becoming conceited and giving in to envy. He recognizes that envy can breed division and strife among believers and encourages them to instead foster an attitude of humility and unity. This verse serves as a reminder to guard against the temptation to compare ourselves to others, boast in our own achievements, or feel threatened by the successes of others.
James 3:14-16
“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
In these verses, James warns against harboring bitter envy and selfish ambition in our hearts. He categorizes such attitudes as worldly, unspiritual, and even demonic. He points out that envy and selfish ambition lead to disorder and give rise to all sorts of evil behaviors. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts, repent of any envy we may be harboring, and seek to align ourselves with the wisdom that comes from heaven, which is characterized by peace, purity, and good deeds.
Proverbs 23:17
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.”
Here, the writer of Proverbs exhorts the reader not to envy or desire the ways of the wicked. Instead, they are encouraged to have a zeal for the fear of the Lord. This verse reminds us that our focus should be on pleasing God and living in accordance with His commandments, rather than longing for the temporary pleasures or apparent success of those who do not follow Him.
Psalm 37:1
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.”
In this Psalm, the author encourages the reader not to worry or be envious of evildoers. Instead, they are advised to trust in the Lord and continue doing good. This verse reminds us that appearances can be deceiving and that the ultimate reward comes from God. It serves as a reminder to focus on our own relationship with God rather than being consumed by envy or comparing ourselves to others.
Proverbs 24:1
“Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company;”
Similar to the previous verses, this proverb warns against envying the wicked or desiring their company. It reminds us that it is better to surround ourselves with those who follow the ways of God and to avoid being influenced by those who engage in sinful behavior. This verse encourages us to seek after righteousness rather than longing for the things associated with those who do evil.
1 Peter 2:1-2
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
These verses from the apostle Peter emphasize the need to rid ourselves of envy, along with other negative behaviors such as malice, deceit, hypocrisy, and slander. As believers, we are called to continually pursue spiritual growth and drink deeply from the pure milk of God’s Word. This passage reminds us that holding onto envy hinders our spiritual growth and maturity, and encourages us to instead focus on developing a pure heart and a sincere desire for the things of God.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,”
In this verse, Paul encourages believers to operate with humility, valuing others above themselves. By doing so, they can avoid falling into the trap of envy or selfish ambition. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize the needs and well-being of others, rather than constantly comparing ourselves to them, and to strive for a mindset of selflessness and love.
1 Timothy 6:4-5
“they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
In these verses, Paul warns about those who are conceited and engage in unhealthy debates and discussions that lead to envy, strife, malicious talk, and constant friction. He highlights the danger of being driven by worldly desires, such as the pursuit of wealth, rather than focusing on godliness and truth. This passage urges believers to avoid such behaviors and instead pursue a genuine desire for righteousness and a proper understanding of the teachings of Christ.
James 4:2-3
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
These verses from James reveal the destructive consequences of envy and covetousness. They expose how these attitudes can lead to conflict, violence, and ultimately a lack of fulfillment. James reminds believers that true satisfaction and contentment are found in seeking God and asking Him with right motives. This passage encourages us to examine our desires, approach God humbly, and trust in His provision rather than being driven by ungodly envy.
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. It reveals that envy can have negative effects not only on our emotional well-being but also on our physical health. Envy can eat away at us from the inside, causing bitterness, resentment, and even physical ailments. It serves as a reminder to cultivate a heart of peace and contentment, focusing on gratitude for what we have rather than comparing ourselves to others.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
In this well-known chapter on love, Paul describes the characteristics of true love. Envy has no place in love. Love is patient, kind, humble, and selfless. It does not seek its own desires or compare itself to others. This verse reminds us that love and envy are incompatible and challenges us to embody the selfless love of Christ in our relationships with others.
Proverbs 27:4
“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
This proverb highlights the destructive power of jealousy. It suggests that jealousy can be even more overwhelming than anger or fury. It speaks to the intensity and potential harm that can result from envy. This verse serves as a warning against giving in to jealousy, reminding us of its destructive nature and urging us to guard against it.
Ecclesiastes 4:4
“And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
In this passage, the writer of Ecclesiastes reflects on the vanity and meaninglessness of envy. He observes that much of human toil and achievement can be traced back to envy. However, the pursuit of these things, driven by envy, is ultimately like chasing after the wind – futile and temporary. This verse reminds us that true fulfillment and meaning are found in God, rather than in the comparison or envy of others.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
While not directly addressing envy, this verse highlights the power of love to overcome conflict and wrongdoing. Envy often leads to resentment, bitterness, and even hatred. However, love has the ability to cover over wrongs and promote peace. This verse underscores the importance of choosing love over envy and the transformative effect that love can have in our relationships and interactions with others.
Psalm 73:3
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
In this Psalm, the writer acknowledges their struggle with envy as they observed the prosperity of the wicked. They confess that their envy was a stumbling block for their faith and led to feelings of bitterness and confusion. This verse serves as a reminder that even those who strive to follow God can sometimes be susceptible to envy. It encourages us to bring our struggles and doubts before God, seeking His wisdom and guidance as we navigate the temptation to envy.
1 Samuel 18:7-8
“As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?”
This passage recounts Saul’s envy and jealousy toward David, who was gaining favor and recognition from the people. Saul’s envy eventually led to bitterness and a desire to harm David. It serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the destructive consequences of envy and the damage it can cause in relationships. This verse reminds us of the importance of guarding our hearts against envy and celebrating the success of others rather than being threatened by it.
Proverbs 14:30
“A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.”
Similar to the previous verse, this proverb emphasizes the detrimental effects of envy on both our spiritual and physical well-being. Envy can eat away at us from the inside, causing spiritual decay and even physical ailments. It teaches us the importance of cultivating a healthy and content heart, focusing on gratitude and trust in God’s provision rather than allowing envy to take hold.
Matthew 27:18
“For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.”
This verse refers to Pilate’s recognition that it was out of envy that the religious leaders handed Jesus over to be crucified. Envy blinded them to the truth and led them to commit the greatest injustice in history. It serves as a reminder of the destructive power of envy and its potential to lead to harmful actions. This verse encourages us to be alert to envy in our own hearts and to guard against allowing it to taint our judgment and actions.
Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy the oppressor and choose none of his ways;”
In this proverb, the author warns against envying those who engage in oppressive behavior and urges us not to imitate their ways. It serves as a reminder to align ourselves with the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness, rather than seeking after power or success through unethical means. This verse challenges us to focus on being faithful to God’s ways and values, rather than being envious of the fleeting success of those who do not follow Him.
Psalm 106:16
“In the camp they grew envious of Moses and of Aaron, who was consecrated to the LORD.”
This verse describes how the Israelites, while wandering in the wilderness, grew envious of Moses and Aaron, who were appointed by God. Their envy led to rebellion and disobedience. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of envy and the potential damage it can cause within a community or relationship. This verse encourages us to be vigilant against envy, focusing instead on trusting and obeying God’s appointed leaders.
Proverbs 23:17
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.”
Here, the writer of Proverbs exhorts the reader not to envy or desire the ways of the wicked. Instead, they are encouraged to have a zeal for the fear of the Lord. This verse reminds us that our focus should be on pleasing God and living in accordance with His commandments, rather than longing for the temporary pleasures or apparent success of those who do not follow Him.
1 Peter 2:1-2
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
These verses from the apostle Peter emphasize the need to rid ourselves of envy, along with other negative behaviors such as malice, deceit, hypocrisy, and slander. As believers, we are called to continually pursue spiritual growth and drink deeply from the pure milk of God’s Word. This passage reminds us that holding onto envy hinders our spiritual growth and maturity, and encourages us to instead focus on developing a pure heart and a sincere desire for the things of God.
Proverbs 24:19
“Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked,”
In this proverb, the writer advises against fretting or being envious of those who do evil. This verse serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that ultimately, the ways of the wicked will not bring true fulfillment or success. It encourages us to trust in God’s justice and to focus on living righteous lives, rather than being consumed by envy.
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. It reveals that envy can have negative effects not only on our emotional well-being but also on our physical health. Envy can eat away at us from the inside, causing bitterness, resentment, and even physical ailments. It serves as a reminder to cultivate a heart of peace and contentment, focusing on gratitude for what we have rather than comparing ourselves to others.
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 admonishes the Corinthians for their jealousy and quarreling. He reminds them that these behaviors are characteristic of those who are still driven by worldly desires and concerns, rather than being guided by the Spirit of God. This verse challenges us to examine our own actions and motivations, encouraging us to strive for unity and love, rather than being consumed by envy or engaging in conflicts that arise from it.
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Here, Paul urges the Galatians to avoid becoming conceited and giving in to envy. He recognizes that envy can breed division and strife among believers and encourages them to instead foster an attitude of humility and unity. This verse serves as a reminder to guard against the temptation to compare ourselves to others, boast in our own achievements, or feel threatened by the successes of others.
James 3:14-16
“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
In these verses, James warns against harboring bitter envy and selfish ambition in our hearts. He categorizes such attitudes as worldly, unspiritual, and even demonic. He points out that envy and selfish ambition lead to disorder and give rise to all sorts of evil behaviors. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts, repent of any envy we may be harboring, and seek to align ourselves with the wisdom that comes from heaven, which is characterized by peace, purity, and good deeds.
What Does the Bible Say About Envy?
Envy is a common struggle that many people face. In the Bible, envy is often mentioned in a negative light. Envy is the feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck.
The Bible teaches us that envy is harmful and can lead to other negative behaviors such as bitterness, strife, and even hatred. In Galatians 5:26, it warns us not to become conceited, provoking one another, or envying one another.
Proverbs 14:30 tells us that “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” This verse illustrates the destructive nature of envy and how it can negatively impact our well-being.
Instead of envy, the Bible encourages us to be content and to rejoice with those who are blessed. Romans 12:15 urges us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep,” emphasizing the importance of empathy and genuine happiness for others.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us to focus on gratitude and to trust in God’s plans for each of us. By shifting our focus from what others have to what we have been blessed with, we can overcome envy and find fulfillment in God’s provision for our lives.
In summary, the Bible acknowledges the destructive nature of envy and encourages us to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and empathy for others.