Being envious is a subtle yet potent feeling that may gradually destroy our happiness, warp our relationships, and divert us from God’s plan for our lives. It is easy to find oneself envious of the success, attractiveness, or benefits of others in a world where comparison is the norm and social media, rivalry, and materialism rule. Scripture, however, does not overlook this conflict. In order to help us identify and overcome envy, the Bible provides insight, caution, and direction.
Envy is represented in the Bible as a negative force that causes conflict, division, and even violence. Envy corrupts the heart and makes people ignorant to God’s goodness in their own lives, as demonstrated by the tales of Cain and Abel and Saul’s jealousy of David. God leads us to a different way, one that is characterized by thankfulness, contentment, and neighborly love. Instead of coveting other people’s blessings, His Word exhorts us to seek purity of heart and to celebrate them.
A lack of faith in God’s provision and purpose is frequently the root cause of envy. We let dissatisfaction grow when we concentrate on our shortcomings rather than our blessings. However, the Bible verses about envy reminds us that comparison does not define who we are or how valuable we are. Every individual has a distinct calling, and God’s timing and rewards are precisely suited to our path. By putting our faith in His dependability, we can embrace peace and put an end to jealousy.
We’ll look at some potent Bible passages in this post that discuss the perils of envy and the liberation that comes from knowing God’s truth. These bible verses about envy provide hope, correction, and a fresh outlook, regardless of whether you’re experiencing envy yourself or are trying to help someone who is. Allow God’s Word to change your heart and lead you to a life filled with thankfulness, modesty, and spiritual fulfillment.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About Envy in 2025
1. Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
This verse contrasts the peace that comes from contentment with the corrosive nature of envy. While peace nourishes both body and soul, envy acts like a poison, quietly consuming our inner life. The wisdom here urges us to guard our hearts, choosing peace over comparison.
2. Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Paul warns against pride and envy—two attitudes that destroy community. Envy thrives where comparison exists. As followers of Christ, we are called to build one another up, not compete for attention, status, or gifts.
3. James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
James reveals that envy isn’t just a private feeling—it produces real, destructive outcomes. It invites chaos into relationships and communities. This verse is a stark reminder to examine our motives and cultivate humility and unity.
4. 1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
In this beautiful definition of love, Paul makes it clear that true love and envy cannot coexist. Envy focuses on what others have; love focuses on what others need. To truly love is to rejoice in another’s blessing, not resent it.
5. Psalm 37:1
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.”
This psalm reminds believers not to envy those who prosper through wicked means. Temporary success does not equal divine favor. Trusting God’s justice allows us to release envy and rest in His timing.
6. Proverbs 23:17
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.”
This wisdom encourages a God-centered focus. Rather than being consumed by envy over others’ apparent success, we’re called to channel our energy into reverence and devotion to God.
7. 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.”
Solomon reflects on the emptiness of ambition driven by envy. Success born of comparison leads to dissatisfaction. Only work rooted in purpose, not rivalry, brings lasting value.
8. 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.”
Paul calls Christians to live with integrity, and jealousy—closely tied to envy—has no place in a life guided by the Spirit. Righteous living means rooting out envy from our conduct.
9. Titus 3:3
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures… and we lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.”
Paul recalls the destructive pattern of life without Christ—marked by envy and mutual hostility. This verse testifies to God’s transforming grace that liberates us from envy’s grip.
10. 1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
Peter exhorts believers to shed the sinful habits that hinder spiritual growth. Envy is not a minor flaw—it’s a barrier to becoming more like Christ. Growth requires surrender and cleansing.
11. Job 5:2
“Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.”
Job’s friend Eliphaz speaks a timeless truth—envy doesn’t just harm others; it destroys the one who harbors it. When we allow envy to take root, it clouds judgment and leads to self-inflicted pain.
12. Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.”
This proverb warns against admiring or imitating those who gain power through unjust means. While their success may seem appealing, their path leads to ruin. God calls us to walk in righteousness, not rivalry.
13. Galatians 5:21
“…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.”
Paul lists envy among the acts of the sinful nature, showing it’s not a trivial issue but a spiritual danger. A heart given over to envy cannot fully inherit the blessings of God’s kingdom.
14. Genesis 37:11
“His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.”
Joseph’s story begins with his brothers’ envy—a jealousy so deep it led them to betrayal. This verse illustrates how envy can tear families apart and reminds us of the long-reaching consequences of unchecked jealousy.
15. Acts 7:9
“Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him.”
Stephen, recounting Israel’s history, underscores how envy drove Joseph’s brothers to sin. Yet God remained faithful. Envy may try to sabotage destiny, but God’s purpose still prevails.
16. James 4:2
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight…”
James points out the destructive cycle of envy. It fuels conflict, dissatisfaction, and even violence. True fulfillment comes not from taking what others have, but from humbly seeking God’s provision.
17. Matthew 27:18
“For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.”
Pilate discerned that the religious leaders delivered Jesus out of envy. Their jealousy blinded them to truth and justice. This sobering verse reveals how envy can lead to grave injustice—even crucifying the innocent.
18. Philippians 1:15
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.”
Paul acknowledges that even ministry can be tainted by envy. But he celebrates that Christ is still preached. This verse reminds us that God can work even through flawed motives, though He calls us to purity of heart.
19. Genesis 4:5
“But on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.”
Cain’s envy of Abel leads to the first murder in Scripture. This early story highlights the devastating consequences of jealousy when it is not confronted and corrected by God.
20. Genesis 4:8
“Now Cain said to his brother Abel, ‘Let’s go out to the field.’ While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.”
Envy, when nurtured in the heart, often ends in destructive action. Cain’s choice shows us the danger of allowing resentment and comparison to fester unchecked.
21. Psalm 73:3
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
The psalmist confesses his struggle with envy—a relatable moment for many believers. But this vulnerability becomes the first step toward spiritual clarity and renewed faith in God’s justice.
22. Psalm 73:17
“Till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.”
In God’s presence, the psalmist gains perspective. Though the wicked may seem to prosper, their end is destruction. Worship dispels envy and restores eternal vision.
23. 1 Samuel 18:9
“And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.”
After David’s victory and growing popularity, Saul becomes consumed with jealousy. This envy eventually unravels his leadership and peace of mind. The verse warns of the danger of turning others’ success into a threat.
24. 1 Samuel 18:7-8
“‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.’ Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly.”
Comparison sparked Saul’s envy. Instead of rejoicing in David’s success for the kingdom, Saul felt diminished. When we tie our worth to others’ achievements, we lose sight of our own God-given value.
25. Titus 3:1-2
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities… to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
These instructions contrast sharply with the strife caused by envy. When envy is absent, gentleness and peace flourish. Christians are called to live lives marked by humility, not comparison.
26. Mark 7:21-22
“For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come… envy, slander, arrogance and folly.”
Jesus teaches that envy, like all sin, begins in the heart. Before it becomes an action, it is a thought. This verse encourages us to examine and purify our hearts daily.
27. Job 5:2 (Repeated for emphasis)
“Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.”
The repetition here underscores a warning—envy is not simply emotional; it is lethal. We are reminded to confront it seriously, lest it lead us toward spiritual death.
28. 1 Corinthians 3:3
“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly?”
Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their immaturity and envy. He equates jealousy with worldliness, implying that spiritual growth demands we shed envy and seek unity in Christ.
29. Zechariah 8:2
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her.’”
God’s jealousy is righteous—rooted in love and covenant loyalty. This contrasts with human envy, which stems from lack. God’s jealousy protects and preserves; ours must be transformed by His holiness.
30. Galatians 6:4
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.”
Paul teaches the antidote to envy: personal accountability. When we focus on our own walk with God, rather than measuring against others, we find healthy confidence and peace.
Conclusion
Even the most devoted heart can become infected with the subtle but poisonous emotion of envy. It causes us to doubt God’s goodness, compare ourselves to others, and fail to see the special treasures He has already bestowed upon us. However, God calls us to a better way of living—one characterized by thankfulness, love, and contentment—through Scripture. The scriptures we have studied serve as a reminder that envy is bad for our own souls as much as for other people.
The Bible exhorts us to turn our attention from our shortcomings to the blessings we have received. Envy fades when we start to see our life through the prism of His provision and mercy. Repentance, humility, and faith in God’s plan for our life are the first steps on the road to conquering jealousy. Envy has less control over us the more we reflect on Scripture and the more our hearts conform to His will.
Allow these Bible verses on jealousy to help you become more self-aware and recommitted to living in accordance with God’s truth as you consider them. Swap out jealousy for joy, bitterness for blessings, and comparison for celebration. Knowing that God’s goodness is plentiful and accessible to everyone who seeks Him will allow you to find serenity in both your own journey and the happiness and success of others.
