Bible verses about jealousy and envy
Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about jealousy and envy:
1. Exodus 20:17 – “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.”
2. Proverbs 14:30 – “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”
3. Proverbs 27:4 – “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?”
4. James 3:14-16 – “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
5. Galatians 5:26 – “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”
6. 1 Corinthians 13:4 – “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”
7. Proverbs 14:30 – “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
8. Proverbs 23:17 – “Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.”
9. Romans 13:13 – “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
10. 1 Peter 2:1 – “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings.”
11. Titus 3:3 – “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”
12. Proverbs 24:1 – “Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.”
What does the bible say about jealousy and envy?
The Bible warns against jealousy and envy, describing them as destructive emotions that can lead to harmful actions and relationships.
Jealousy is often associated with feelings of insecurity and possessiveness, while envy is linked to coveting what others have.
Both emotions are seen as sinful and can lead to resentment, bitterness, and division among people.
The Bible encourages believers to focus on gratitude, contentment, and love for others, rather than comparing themselves to others or desiring what they have.
It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s plan and being satisfied with what one has been given.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches that jealousy and envy are counterproductive to living a fulfilling and righteous life.
What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about jealousy and envy?
1. Genesis 4 – This chapter tells the story of Cain and Abel, where jealousy and envy ultimately lead to murder. It serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive consequences of allowing jealousy to fester.
2. Proverbs 14 – This chapter contains several verses that warn against envy and jealousy, emphasizing the importance of contentment and trust in God’s plan.
3. James 3 – This chapter discusses the harmful effects of jealousy and envy on relationships and the importance of seeking wisdom and humility instead.
Reading these chapters can provide insight into the negative impact of jealousy and envy, as well as guidance on how to overcome these destructive emotions through faith and self-reflection.
Ideas and concepts related to jealousy and envy that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’
1. Covetousness: The Bible warns against coveting what others have, as it can lead to jealousy and envy. Covetousness is the desire to possess something that belongs to someone else, which can ultimately lead to feelings of jealousy and envy.
2. Comparison: The Bible teaches that comparing ourselves to others can lead to jealousy and envy. When we constantly compare our lives, possessions, or achievements to those of others, it can breed feelings of inadequacy and resentment.
3. Gratitude: The Bible encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment, rather than focusing on what others have. By being thankful for what we have been blessed with, we can combat feelings of jealousy and envy towards others.
4. Humility: The Bible teaches that pride can fuel jealousy and envy. By cultivating humility and recognizing that all good things come from God, we can guard against feelings of jealousy and envy towards others.
5. Love: The Bible emphasizes the importance of loving others and treating them with kindness and compassion. By focusing on love and building up others, we can combat feelings of jealousy and envy that may arise.
