Jealousy is an emotion that can poison relationships, breed resentment, and hinder our personal growth. Recognizing the destructive nature of jealousy, the Bible offers guidance and wisdom on overcoming this negative emotion.
Join me as we explore uplifting Bible verses about jealousy that provide insight, encouragement, and practical steps to cultivate contentment, love, and a spirit of celebration for others’ blessings. Together, let’s discover how to conquer jealousy and embrace a more joyful and fulfilling life.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Lukewarm
Bible Verses About Jealousy
Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
In this proverb, envy, or jealousy, is seen as a destructive force that eats away at a person’s very being. It’s a warning against allowing jealousy to take root in our hearts, as it can greatly harm us both physically and spiritually.
James 3:16
“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”
This verse from the New Testament highlights the link between jealousy and disorder. When our focus is on our own gain and success, it can create an atmosphere of unrest and even lead to harmful behavior.
Proverbs 27:4
“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
This proverb shows the power of jealousy and how it can overwhelm even the strongest of individuals. It’s a reminder of the importance of guarding our hearts against envy and seeking peace instead.
Titus 3:3
“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.”
In this passage, envy is listed as one of the many sins that humanity is prone to. It’s a reminder that we all have a past, and that through Christ we can overcome these negative traits and live in love and peace.
Galatians 5:21
“envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Jealousy is specifically listed as one of the sins that can keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God. It’s a reminder that envy is a serious issue that must be dealt with and overcome through the power of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:3
“for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?”
This verse reminds us that jealousy is a sign of our human nature, and that we must strive to overcome it through the power of the Holy Spirit. It also highlights the destructive nature of jealousy on our relationships with others.
James 4:2
“You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.”
This passage shows the dangerous cycle that jealousy can lead us into. When we desire something that someone else has, it can lead to negative behavior and even violence. It’s a reminder to seek contentment in God and trust in His provision for our lives.
1 Peter 2:1
“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.”
This verse shows the importance of putting away envy and other negative traits that can harm ourselves and others. It’s a call to live in a way that honors God and shows love and kindness to those around us.
Ecclesiastes 4:4
“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.”
This verse shows how envy can motivate us in negative ways, even in our work. It’s a reminder to focus on our own journey and purpose, rather than constantly comparing ourselves to others.
Proverbs 23:17
“Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.”
This verse warns against envying those who are following a sinful path. Instead, it encourages us to continue in our commitment to the Lord and trust in His ways for our lives.
Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.”
This verse cautions against envying those who gain power and success through unethical means. It’s a reminder to seek righteousness and integrity in all that we do.
Acts 7:9
“And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him”
This passage shows the negative consequences that can arise from jealousy. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery, but God used Joseph’s trials to ultimately bring about good.
1 Timothy 6:4
“he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions,”
This verse shows how envy can lead to unhealthy behavior and controversy. It’s a reminder to seek humility and peace in our interactions with others.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”
This verse shows the contrast between love and jealousy. Love seeks to cover offenses and promote unity, while jealousy can cause strife and division.
Proverbs 17:5
“Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.”
This verse highlights the danger of finding joy in the misfortunes of others. It’s a warning against allowing jealousy to morph into malicious behavior.
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
This verse encourages us to be happy for those who are experiencing blessings and to mourn with those who are going through hard times. It’s a reminder that love and empathy are far more valuable than jealousy.
Proverbs 6:34
“For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge.”
This verse shows the destructive nature of jealousy and how it can lead to harmful behavior. It’s a warning against allowing jealousy to fester and grow unchecked.
Psalm 73:3
“For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
This verse shows how envy can arise when we see those who are wicked and yet still succeed. It’s a reminder to trust in the Lord’s justice and righteousness, rather than coveting what others have.
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
This verse shows the danger of becoming conceited and provoking envy in others. It’s a call to live in humility and love, putting the needs of others before our own desires.
Proverbs 11:24
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.”
This verse shows the power of generosity and giving, as opposed to hoarding and selfishness. It’s a reminder that there is plenty to go around and that we can trust in God’s provision for our needs.
Proverbs 14:17
“A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.”
This verse shows how jealousy can lead to foolish and even evil behavior. It’s a warning against allowing anger and jealousy to control our actions.
Proverbs 27:1
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
This verse shows the futility of obsessing over our future and comparing ourselves to others. It’s a reminder to focus on the present moment and trust in God’s plan for our lives.
Proverbs 19:3
“When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD.”
This verse shows how jealousy can lead us to blame God for our own mistakes and shortcomings. It’s a warning against allowing envy to cloud our judgment and lead us astray.
What does the Bible say about Jealousy?
Jealousy is a recurring theme in the Bible, and its portrayal can be both positive and negative, depending on the context and circumstances. In some instances, jealousy is depicted as a righteous and protective zeal for the worship of God or the preservation of one’s relationship with Him. For example, God refers to Himself as a jealous God in the Old Testament, emphasizing His desire for undivided worship and devotion from His people.
However, the Bible also warns against negative forms of jealousy, often associated with envy, covetousness, and resentment. These negative expressions of jealousy can lead to strife, conflict, and even destructive actions.
A significant biblical teaching is that believers should strive to overcome envy and cultivate contentment with what God has provided. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul frequently addresses the dangers of envy and encourages believers to walk in love, humility, and self-control.
Overall, the Bible teaches that while a righteous jealousy for God’s glory and the well-being of others may be appropriate, negative jealousy rooted in selfishness and discontent is to be avoided.
Instead, Christians are encouraged to seek the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By doing so, they can grow in their relationship with God and with one another, fostering a healthy and harmonious community.