The 10 Best Bible Verses about Envy

Ever been jealous of someone?

Envy is a common human struggle that can erode relationships and hinder personal growth. The Bible provides profound insights into conquering envy through wisdom, gratitude, and a focus on God’s plan. In this post, we’ll go through a list of Bible verses about envy that offer guidance and inspiration to overcome this destructive emotion.

Holding onto bitterness and unforgiveness can poison your life, hinder your prayers, and even cost you your salvation. Click here to read more.

Envy Bible Verses

1. Proverbs 14:30

“A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”

This verse highlights the detrimental effects of envy on both emotional well-being and physical health. It emphasizes the importance of a peaceful heart.

2. James 3:16

“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”

James connects jealousy with disorder and evil, emphasizing the negative consequences that arise when envy takes root in our hearts.

3. 1 Corinthians 13:4

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.”

The famous “love chapter” underscores that genuine love is devoid of jealousy. It encourages us to cultivate love as a countermeasure to envy.

4. Galatians 5:26

“Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.”

Paul’s exhortation in Galatians advises against jealousy, emphasizing the importance of humility and mutual respect in relationships.

5. Proverbs 24:1

“Don’t envy evil people or desire their company.”

This verse warns against envying those who follow a destructive path. It encourages discernment in choosing the company we keep.

6. Psalm 37:1

“Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.”

This Psalm urges believers not to be troubled by the apparent success of the wicked. Envy of their ways is counterproductive to a life of faith.

7. Proverbs 23:17

“Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord.”

Fear of the Lord is presented as an antidote to envy. Instead of being envious of the unrighteous, the focus is redirected towards reverence for God.

8. Ecclesiastes 4:4

“Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.”

The pursuit of success driven by envy is deemed meaningless in Ecclesiastes. It serves as a caution against the futility of comparing oneself to others.

9. Romans 12:15

“Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.”

Paul’s advice in Romans promotes empathy and celebrates the joys of others rather than fostering envy.

10. 1 Peter 2:1

“So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.”

Peter urges believers to eliminate jealousy along with other destructive behaviors, emphasizing the need for a change in character.

Short Prayer

Heavenly Father, we humbly come before you, acknowledging the struggles of envy in our hearts. Please give us the strength to replace envy with love, gratitude, and contentment. Help us celebrate the successes of others and find joy in the path you’ve set for us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Conclusion

Overcoming envy is a journey that requires spiritual wisdom and a deep understanding of God’s plan. Through these Bible verses, we find guidance on fostering love, humility, and contentment, which are powerful antidotes to the destructive nature of envy. As we meditate on these verses, may our hearts be purified, and may we walk in the light of God’s love, free from the burdens of envy.