Envy and jealousy can hurt relationships and steal our joy. Today, we’ll explore what the Bible says about avoiding these feelings and finding contentment in God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Strongholds
What Does The Bible Say About Envy And Jealousy
Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
This verse emphasizes the destructive nature of envy. Envy not only affects our emotional well-being but also has negative physical repercussions. It reminds us of the importance of cultivating inner peace and contentment.
James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
Envy, along with selfish ambition, leads to chaos and a breeding ground for other sinful behaviors. This verse highlights the harmful consequences that envy can have on our relationships and communities.
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Envy is a fruit of conceit and a sin that can lead us to provoke and harm others. This verse exhorts us to reject such behavior, emphasizing the importance of love and humility in our interactions with others.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
This famous verse from the “love chapter” reminds us that genuine love does not harbor envy. Love is characterized by patience, kindness, and humility, qualities that are incompatible with jealousy.
Proverbs 27:4
“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
This verse portrays jealousy as an overpowering force that is even more destructive than anger and fury. It warns about the intensity and potential harm of jealousy and calls us to guard our hearts against it.
1 Timothy 6:4-5
“…he is conceited and understands nothing. He has 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…”
This verse describes how envy can manifest through unhealthy debates and controversies that lead to strife, gossip, and division. It cautions against engaging in such behavior and emphasizes the importance of cultivating wisdom instead.
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.”
This verse urges believers to actively rid themselves of envy, along with other sinful behaviors, and instead desire the nourishment that comes from God’s Word. It emphasizes the transformational power of spiritual growth in overcoming envy.
Proverbs 23:17
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.”
This verse serves as a reminder to resist the temptation to envy those who may seem prosperous or successful in worldly matters. Instead, we should channel our zeal and passion towards honoring and obeying God.
Psalm 37:1
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.”
This verse encourages us not to worry or be envious of those who are wicked or engage in wrongful activities. It reminds us to trust in God’s justice and focus on our own righteous behavior.
Romans 13:13
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.”
This verse reminds believers to live upright lives, free from jealousy and other sinful behaviors. It emphasizes the importance of conducting ourselves with decency and integrity, especially in the public sphere.
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 highlights envy as a characteristic of a sinful life before coming to faith. It serves as a reminder of God’s transformative power and His ability to deliver us from the destructive grip of envy.
Proverbs 24:1-2
“Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.”
This verse warns against envying the wicked or desiring to associate with them. It exposes the inherent danger of indulging in jealousy, as it can lead us towards adopting their sinful ways.
Job 5:2
“Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.”
This verse portrays the destructive nature of envy, emphasizing that it can lead even the foolish and naïve astray. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the detrimental consequences of harboring jealousy.
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.”
This verse exposes the futility of pursuing personal gain solely out of envy. It reveals that such pursuits are ultimately meaningless and never satisfying. It challenges us to focus on the true purpose and meaning of life rather than being driven by jealousy.
Mark 15:10
“For he knew it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him.”
This verse highlights how envy can drive individuals to act out of self-interest, even to the point of betraying innocent people. It serves as a warning against allowing envy to cloud our judgment and lead us astray.
Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.”
This verse advises against envying those who use violence or engage in wicked behavior. It cautions us not to be swayed by their actions or seek to imitate them, recognizing the destructive nature of envy.
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?”
This verse confronts believers who allow jealousy and quarrels to divide them, reminding them that such behavior is characteristic of worldly thinking. It challenges us to rise above petty jealousies and instead live in unity as followers of Christ.
1 Samuel 18:8
“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 verse depicts the destructive power of jealousy through Saul’s envy towards David’s popularity and success. It serves as a cautionary tale, warning against allowing jealousy to consume us and lead us to harm others.
1 John 2:15
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”
This verse calls believers to resist the urge to covet or be envious of the things of this world. It reminds us that our ultimate love and devotion should be directed towards God and His purposes.
Psalm 73:3
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
This verse reflects the psalmist’s struggle with envy towards the wicked, who appeared to prosper despite their sinful ways. It reveals the internal battle with jealousy and the need for perspective and trust in God’s justice.
Galatians 5:21
“…envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse includes envy within a list of sinful behaviors and emphasizes that those who persist in such actions will not inherit the kingdom of God. It underscores the importance of repentance and transformation in overcoming envy.
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
This verse encourages believers to celebrate the success and joys of others rather than allowing envy to overshadow their relationships. It calls us to genuine empathy and compassion towards others, fostering unity and love.
Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
This verse emphasizes the destructive nature of envy. Envy not only affects our emotional well-being but also has negative physical repercussions. It reminds us of the importance of cultivating inner peace and contentment.
James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
Envy, along with selfish ambition, leads to chaos and a breeding ground for other sinful behaviors. This verse highlights the harmful consequences that envy can have on our relationships and communities.
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Envy is a fruit of conceit and a sin that can lead us to provoke and harm others. This verse exhorts us to reject such behavior, emphasizing the importance of love and humility in our interactions with others.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
This famous verse from the “love chapter” reminds us that genuine love does not harbor envy. Love is characterized by patience, kindness, and humility, qualities that are incompatible with jealousy.
Proverbs 27:4
“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
This verse portrays jealousy as an overpowering force that is even more destructive than anger and fury. It warns about the intensity and potential harm of jealousy and calls us to guard our hearts against it.
1 Timothy 6:4-5
“…he is conceited and understands nothing. He has 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…”
This verse describes how envy can manifest through unhealthy debates and controversies that lead to strife, gossip, and division. It cautions against engaging in such behavior and emphasizes the importance of cultivating wisdom instead.
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.”
This verse urges believers to actively rid themselves of envy, along with other sinful behaviors, and instead desire the nourishment that comes from God’s Word. It emphasizes the transformational power of spiritual growth in overcoming envy.
Proverbs 23:17
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.”
This verse serves as a reminder to resist the temptation to envy those who may seem prosperous or successful in worldly matters. Instead, we should channel our zeal and passion towards honoring and obeying God.
Psalm 37:1
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.”
This verse encourages us not to worry or be envious of those who are wicked or engage in wrongful activities. It reminds us to trust in God’s justice and focus on our own righteous behavior.
Romans 13:13
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.”
This verse reminds believers to live upright lives, free from jealousy and other sinful behaviors. It emphasizes the importance of conducting ourselves with decency and integrity, especially in the public sphere.
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 highlights envy as a characteristic of a sinful life before coming to faith. It serves as a reminder of God’s transformative power and His ability to deliver us from the destructive grip of envy.
Proverbs 24:1-2
“Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.”
This verse warns against envying the wicked or desiring to associate with them. It exposes the inherent danger of indulging in jealousy, as it can lead us towards adopting their sinful ways.
Job 5:2
“Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.”
This verse portrays the destructive nature of envy, emphasizing that it can lead even the foolish and naïve astray. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the detrimental consequences of harboring jealousy.
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.”
This verse exposes the futility of pursuing personal gain solely out of envy. It reveals that such pursuits are ultimately meaningless and never satisfying. It challenges us to focus on the true purpose and meaning of life rather than being driven by jealousy.
Mark 15:10
“For he knew it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him.”
This verse highlights how envy can drive individuals to act out of self-interest, even to the point of betraying innocent people. It serves as a warning against allowing envy to cloud our judgment and lead us astray.
Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.”
This verse advises against envying those who use violence or engage in wicked behavior. It cautions us not to be swayed by their actions or seek to imitate them, recognizing the destructive nature of envy.
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?”
This verse confronts believers who allow jealousy and quarrels to divide them, reminding them that such behavior is characteristic of worldly thinking. It challenges us to rise above petty jealousies and instead live in unity as followers of Christ.
1 Samuel 18:8
“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 verse depicts the destructive power of jealousy through Saul’s envy towards David’s popularity and success. It serves as a cautionary tale, warning against allowing jealousy to consume us and lead us to harm others.
1 John 2:15
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”
This verse calls believers to resist the urge to covet or be envious of the things of this world. It reminds us that our ultimate love and devotion should be directed towards God and His purposes.
Psalm 73:3
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
This verse reflects the psalmist’s struggle with envy towards the wicked, who appeared to prosper despite their sinful ways. It reveals the internal battle with jealousy and the need for perspective and trust in God’s justice.
Galatians 5:21
“…envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse includes envy within a list of sinful behaviors and emphasizes that those who persist in such actions will not inherit the kingdom of God. It underscores the importance of repentance and transformation in overcoming envy.
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
This verse encourages believers to celebrate the success and joys of others rather than allowing envy to overshadow their relationships. It calls us to genuine empathy and compassion towards others, fostering unity and love.