Envy is a powerful emotion that often arises when we desire what others have. It can lead to bitterness, resentment, and even destructive behavior.
In the Bible, envy is addressed as a negative trait that can harm both the individual who experiences it and those around them.
In the Bible, there are numerous verses that provide guidance on how to overcome envy and live a life of contentment and gratitude. Bible verses that address the topic of envy:
- Proverbs 14:30 – “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
- James 3:16 – “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
- Galatians 5:26 – “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
- Proverbs 24:1 – “Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company;”
- Proverbs 23:17 – “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.”
- James 4:5 – “Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?”
- 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?”
- Proverbs 27:4 – “Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 1 Peter 2:1 – “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
- Galatians 5:19-21 – “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and 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.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:4 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
- 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.”
- Proverbs 14:30 – “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
- Proverbs 23:17 – “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.”
- Psalm 37:1 – “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;”
- Proverbs 14:30 – “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
- 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.”
- Galatians 5:19-21 – “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and 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.”
- James 3:14-16 – “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
- Proverbs 27:4 – “Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
- 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.”
- Proverbs 14:30 – “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
- Proverbs 23:17 – “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.”
- 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.”
- Galatians 5:19-21 – “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and 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.”
- James 3:14-16 – “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
- Proverbs 27:4 – “Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
- 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.”
These Bible verses offer wisdom and guidance on how to overcome envy and cultivate contentment, humility, and love for others.