Bible Verses About Envy
Envy is a deeply human emotion, something many of us have quietly struggled with at some point. It's that feeling of resentment or discontentment aroused by another person's possessions, qualities, or success. While it might seem like a small, internal struggle, the Bible reveals that envy is far from harmless. In fact, scripture often portrays it as a destructive force, capable of leading to significant sin and fracturing relationships. From the earliest stories in Genesis to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, the Bible consistently addresses the insidious nature of envy. It helps us understand where these feelings come from, the damaging path they can lead us down, and, most importantly, how God's wisdom provides a way to overcome it. As we explore these verses, we'll see a clear call to contentment, love, and rejoicing with others rather than begrudging their blessings.
"and Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. Yahweh respected Abel and his offering, but he didn’t respect Cain and his offering. Cain was very angry, and the expression on his face fell."
"His brothers envied him; but his father kept the saying in mind."
"Don’t fret because of evildoers, neither be envious of those who work unrighteousness."
"A sound heart is the life of the body, but envy is the rottenness of the bones."
"Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?"
"Let’s walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy."
"for you are still fleshly. For in that there is envy, strife, and factions among you, aren’t you fleshly, and don’t you walk in the ways of men?"
"Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also warned you before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God."
"Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."
"In nothing do anything through selfish ambition or through conceit, but in humility, counting others better than ourselves;"
"But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil practice."
"Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envy, and all slander,"
Frequently asked questions
- The Bible presents envy as a serious spiritual issue, often listed among other grave sins. It's not merely a mild annoyance, but a deeply rooted emotion that reveals a heart discontent with God's provision and blessing. The story of Cain and Abel in the Old Testament is a stark early warning.