Jealousy and envy are emotions that many of us face at some point in life. Whether it’s feeling envious of someone’s success or jealous in a relationship, these feelings can be destructive if left unchecked.
Spiritually, they can cloud our connection with God, fuel bitterness, and distract us from our true purpose.
The Bible doesn’t ignore these emotions—it confronts them head-on. Scripture offers comfort and direction for those wrestling with jealousy and envy, encouraging us to seek peace, contentment, and trust in God’s plan for our lives.
Below, we’ll explore 15 powerful Bible verses about jealousy and envy. Each verse includes a brief explanation to help you understand its context and how it applies to everyday life.
1. Proverbs 14:30
Proverbs 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
Explanation:
This verse reminds us that a peaceful heart brings health, while envy slowly destroys us from the inside. It’s a simple yet powerful truth about how these emotions can negatively affect both our spirit and our body.
2. James 3:16
James 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
Explanation:
James warns that envy doesn’t just cause personal unrest—it leads to chaos and wrongdoing. This verse is a wake-up call to guard our hearts against comparison and selfish desires.
3. Galatians 5:19–21
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.
Explanation:
Paul lists envy and jealousy among other serious sins, showing how seriously God views these attitudes. Living in the Spirit means turning away from such destructive behaviors.
4. 1 Corinthians 3:3
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?
Explanation:
Paul rebukes the Corinthians for letting jealousy divide them. He makes it clear that envy is a sign of spiritual immaturity and prevents unity in the body of Christ.
5. Proverbs 27:4
Proverbs 27:4
Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy?
Explanation:
This verse compares jealousy to anger and fury, suggesting that jealousy can be even more damaging. It can lead to irrational behavior and deeply harm relationships.
6. Exodus 20:17
Exodus 20:17
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.
Explanation:
This commandment gets to the root of envy—wanting what others have. God calls us to be content and trust in His provision rather than longing for what isn’t ours.
7. Romans 13:13
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.
Explanation:
Paul encourages believers to live in a way that honors God, putting off envy and other sinful behaviors. It’s a call to moral and spiritual integrity.
8. 1 Peter 2:1
1 Peter 2:1
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
Explanation:
Peter urges Christians to let go of envy and related sins so they can grow in faith. These harmful attitudes hinder spiritual maturity and relationships.
9. Ecclesiastes 4:4
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.
Explanation:
Solomon reflects on how envy often drives human ambition, but ultimately it leads to emptiness. Real fulfillment comes from living for God, not from competing with others.
10. Titus 3:3
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.
Explanation:
Paul reminds us of our past before Christ—filled with envy and strife. This verse highlights how God’s grace transforms us from envy-driven lives to ones filled with love.
11. Psalm 37:1
Psalm 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil
or be envious of those who do wrong.
Explanation:
David tells us not to envy the success of the wicked. God’s justice will prevail, and trusting Him brings lasting peace.
12. Job 5:2
Job 5:2
Resentment kills a fool,
and envy slays the simple.
Explanation:
Job’s friend Eliphaz points out the destructive nature of envy. While his perspective may be flawed, the truth remains—envy can lead to emotional and spiritual ruin.
13. Mark 7:21–22
Mark 7:21–22
For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.
Explanation:
Jesus teaches that envy is not just an external issue—it starts in the heart. We need to address the root cause by turning to God for cleansing and renewal.
14. Genesis 37:11
Genesis 37:11
His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Explanation:
Joseph’s story shows how jealousy can destroy families. His brothers’ envy led to betrayal, but God used it for a greater purpose. It’s a lesson in trusting God’s plan even when others act out of envy.
15. Galatians 5:26
Galatians 5:26
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Explanation:
Paul ends this chapter with a reminder not to live in competition. Instead, we’re called to love one another and live by the Spirit, not by pride or envy.
Reflecting on Jealousy and Envy Through Scripture
Jealousy and envy may seem like small emotions, but they can lead to big problems if we don’t deal with them honestly and spiritually. Through these verses, we see God’s desire for us to live with peace, contentment, and love—free from the burdens of comparison and resentment.
Each verse invites us to examine our hearts and draw closer to God, who offers healing and transformation.
Your Turn
Which of these Bible verses about jealousy and envy spoke to you the most? Have you experienced freedom from envy through faith? Share your story, thoughts, or favorite scripture in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you.