This article explores Bible verses about envy and jealousy, two negative emotions that can lead to destructive behavior and damage relationships.
The Bible encourages individuals to focus on their own blessings and to be content with what they have, rather than comparing themselves to others.
It also emphasizes the importance of loving others and treating them with kindness, rather than allowing envy or jealousy to drive one’s actions.
The article also suggests several Bible chapters to read for further guidance on how to overcome these emotions.
Bible verses about envy and jealousy
Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about envy and jealousy:
1. “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” – Exodus 20:17
2. “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30
3. “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” – Galatians 5:26
4. “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” – James 3:16
5. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
6. “Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” – Ephesians 4:25-27
7. “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” – Proverbs 27:4
8. “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30
9. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” – Philippians 2:3
10. “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.” – James 3:14
11. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” – Hebrews 13:5
12. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-7
What does the Bible say about envy and jealousy?
The Bible speaks against envy and jealousy, describing them as negative emotions that can lead to destructive behavior.
Envy is often associated with coveting what others have, while jealousy is linked to fear of losing what one already possesses.
Both emotions can lead to feelings of bitterness, resentment, and anger, and can damage relationships.
The Bible encourages individuals to focus on their own blessings and to be content with what they have, rather than comparing themselves to others.
It also emphasizes the importance of loving others and treating them with kindness, rather than allowing envy or jealousy to drive one’s actions.
What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about envy and jealousy?
1. Genesis 4 – The story of Cain and Abel highlights the destructive nature of envy and jealousy. Cain’s envy of Abel’s favor with God led him to murder his own brother.
2. Proverbs 14 – This chapter contains several verses that warn against envy and jealousy, emphasizing the negative consequences they bring. It also offers wisdom on how to overcome these emotions.
3. James 3 – This chapter speaks about the dangers of envy and jealousy, describing them as earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. It also offers guidance on how to cultivate wisdom and avoid these destructive emotions.
4. Galatians 5 – This chapter contrasts the fruits of the Spirit with the works of the flesh, which include envy and jealousy. It emphasizes the importance of living by the Spirit and avoiding these destructive emotions.
All of these chapters are relevant to envy and jealousy because they highlight the negative consequences of these emotions and offer guidance on how to overcome them. They also emphasize the importance of living by the Spirit and cultivating wisdom in order to avoid falling into the trap of envy and jealousy.
Ideas and concepts related to envy and jealousy that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.
1. Covetousness: This refers to an intense desire to possess something that belongs to someone else. It is closely related to envy and jealousy because it involves wanting something that someone else has. In the Bible, covetousness is condemned as a sin because it can lead to greed and selfishness.
2. Pride: This is an excessive sense of self-importance or arrogance. It can be related to envy and jealousy because it often involves comparing oneself to others and feeling superior or inferior based on those comparisons. In the Bible, pride is also condemned as a sin because it can lead to selfishness and a lack of concern for others.
3. Contentment: This is the state of being satisfied with what one has and not desiring more. It is the opposite of envy and jealousy because it involves being grateful for what one has rather than wanting what someone else has. In the Bible, contentment is praised as a virtue because it leads to a sense of peace and gratitude.
4. Love: This is a selfless concern for the well-being of others. It is the opposite of envy and jealousy because it involves caring for others rather than wanting what they have. In the Bible, love is considered the greatest virtue because it involves putting the needs of others before one’s own desires.
Overall, the Bible teaches that envy and jealousy are destructive emotions that can lead to sin and unhappiness. Instead, it encourages us to cultivate virtues like contentment, love, and humility that promote peace and well-being.
