“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” – James 3:16
Bible Verses About Envy
Genesis 4:3-4 – Cain’s envy towards Abel led to tragic consequences.
“In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering.” – Genesis 4:3-4
Exodus 20:17 – God’s commandment against coveting teaches us to be content.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:17
Proverbs 14:30 – A peaceful heart is a remedy against envy.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30
Proverbs 23:17 – Do not envy sinners, but stay close to God.
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.” – Proverbs 23:17
Galatians 5:26 – Envy can lead to divisions in our community.
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” – Galatians 5:26
James 4:2-3 – Desires can lead us to envy when we do not seek God.
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.” – James 4:2-3
1 Peter 2:1 – We are instructed to rid ourselves of envy.
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” – 1 Peter 2:1
Proverbs 27:4 – Envy can stoop lower than anger and wrath.
“Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but who can stand before jealousy?” – Proverbs 27:4
Romans 13:13 – Paul warns against engaging in behaviors that promote envy.
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.” – Romans 13:13
Hebrews 13:5 – We are encouraged to be content, avoiding envy.
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” – Hebrews 13:5
Proverbs 14:30 – Envy can be corrosive to our well-being.
“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” – Proverbs 14:30
Acts 7:9 – Jealousy can lead to betrayal.
“Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him.” – Acts 7:9
1 Corinthians 13:4 – Love is the antidote to envy.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
Job 5:2 – Envy can lead to self-destructive paths.
“Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.” – Job 5:2
Proverbs 6:34 – Jealousy can lead to disastrous outcomes in relationships.
“For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.” – Proverbs 6:34
Titus 3:3-6 – Reflecting on our past can remind us not to envy others.
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.” – Titus 3:3-6
Philippians 2:3 – Humility is the way to overcome envy.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Ecclesiastes 4:4 – Hard work can sometimes be motivated by envy.
“And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another.” – Ecclesiastes 4:4
1 Timothy 6:6-10 – Contentment is great gain, not envy.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Matthew 27:18 – Envy can lead to grave injustices.
“For he realized that it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over.” – Matthew 27:18
1 Corinthians 3:3 – Paul addresses jealousy among believers.
“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?” – 1 Corinthians 3:3
James 3:14 – Wisdom keeps us from having bitter envy.
“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.” – James 3:14
Proverbs 19:3 – Our own folly leads to envy.
“A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.” – Proverbs 19:3
Colossians 3:5 – We are told to eliminate envy from our lives.
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:5
Proverbs 27:4 – Jealousy can burn hotter than anger.
“Anger is cruel, and fury is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?” – Proverbs 27:4
Philippians 1:15-17 – Paul addresses the motives behind some preaching.
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.” – Philippians 1:15-17
1 John 2:9 – Walking in the light prevents us from envy.
“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” – 1 John 2:9
Proverbs 24:1 – We are advised not to envy the wicked.
“Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company.” – Proverbs 24:1
Psalm 37:1 – Trust in God rather than envying others.
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.” – Psalm 37:1
Final Thoughts
Understanding the issue of envy is vital in our spiritual lives. Envy can consume us, leading to destructive behaviors and thoughts. As I reflect on the verses about envy, I realize that staying grounded in gratitude is essential. By appreciating what we have, we can overcome the temptation to compare ourselves to others. It is important to focus on love, kindness, and humility, which pull our hearts away from envy and toward a peaceful outlook. We are called to share joy in others’ successes rather than hardening our hearts with jealousy. Let’s remember that God’s plans for each of us are unique!
If you’re looking for further insights, you might enjoy exploring topics on communication with others or jealousy. There’s so much more to learn!