Today we will talk about bible verses about envy. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Envy is a feeling that can creep into our hearts when we compare ourselves to others. It may look small, but the Bible shows it can do real harm. As we read together, let us open our hearts to learn, repent, and grow. We will look at Scripture, find examples, see warnings, and learn how to replace envy with thankfulness, love, and contentment. Let us read slowly, think humbly, and pray for God’s help to change what needs changing in our lives.
Bible Verses About Envy
Bible Verses About Envy — A Key Verse and the Nature of Envy
As we begin our journey through Bible Verses About Envy, we want to see clearly what envy is and how it shows itself in our lives. Envy is more than a passing thought that someone else has something good. It is a root of discontent that eats away at our joy. When we read Bible Verses About Envy, we learn that envy affects our bodies, our minds, and our relationships. In these verses we see that envy brings confusion, strife, and inner rot. But the Bible does not stop at describing the problem. It points us toward what God calls us to be instead — people of love, patience, kindness, and contentment. As we read these Bible Verses About Envy, let us practice honesty together. Let us say, “We struggle with envy sometimes.” Then let us look for God’s healing steps: confessing, turning away from comparison, being grateful, and rejoicing in others. We can learn to notice the small jealous thoughts and bring them to God. We can ask the Holy Spirit to change our hearts. These Bible Verses About Envy will help us name the problem and find the path to grace.
Proverbs 14:30
“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy is the rottenness of the bones. – Proverbs 14:30
James 3:16
“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. – James 3:16
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. – Galatians 5:26
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, – 1 Corinthians 13:4
Proverbs 23:17
“Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. – Proverbs 23:17
Bible Verses About Envy — Examples from Scripture Where Envy Appears
When we study Bible Verses About Envy, we see it in many stories. These stories help us understand how envy grows and what it does. We read how brothers envied Joseph, and because of that envy he was sold into Egypt. We read how Saul envied David, and how envy drove people to reject and hand over Jesus. These Bible Verses About Envy show that envy starts in the heart and then moves outward into actions. The stories give us real-life scenes where envy led to pain, betrayal, and wrong choices. As we read them together we can ask: where have we let envy change how we treat others? We can also ask God to give us compassion for those who are tempted by envy. These Bible Verses About Envy remind us that envy is not a new problem. It moves people to hurt others and to act in ways that break community. Yet, in each story there is also room for God’s plan and his good purposes. When we see how God works even through human sin, it helps us to trust that God can do the same in our lives when we repent and turn to Him.
Genesis 37:11
“And his brethren envied him; and his father kept the saying in mind. – Genesis 37:11
Acts 7:9
“And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, – Acts 7:9
1 Samuel 18:8
“And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? – 1 Samuel 18:8
Mark 15:10
“For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. – Mark 15:10
Matthew 27:18
“For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. – Matthew 27:18
Bible Verses About Envy — The Consequences and Dangers of Envy
As we read Bible Verses About Envy, we find warnings about its cost. Envy does not just make us unhappy; it damages relationships and leads to serious harm. The Bible uses strong language to show the danger. We see envy tied to violence and even to death in the story of Cain and Abel. We read that envy can cause quarrels, divisions, and acts of wickedness. When we look at these Bible Verses About Envy, we discover that envy is not an innocent feeling; it is a force that steers people away from God and toward selfish acts. It can ruin our witness, break families, and make our spiritual life weak. The Bible calls envy a root that produces bitter fruit. That helps us know why Scripture calls us to guard our hearts. We have to learn to spot envy early and to bring it to God in prayer. When we do, we find healing and the chance to replace envy with humility, forgiveness, and a heart that celebrates others. These Bible Verses About Envy push us to act, not ignore the problem.
Ecclesiastes 4:4
“Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this cause man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. – Ecclesiastes 4:4
Proverbs 27:4
“Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? – Proverbs 27:4
Romans 1:29
“Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, – Romans 1:29
1 Corinthians 3:3
“For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? – 1 Corinthians 3:3
Genesis 4:8
“And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. – Genesis 4:8
Bible Verses About Envy — Envy Opposed by Contentment and Gratitude
When we read Bible Verses About Envy, we also find the cure. The Bible points us to contentment, gratitude, and trust in God. Paul learned to be content in every state, and he tells us that godliness with contentment is great gain. These Bible Verses About Envy teach that when we choose thankfulness, envy loses its power. Being content does not mean we do not work or grow; it means we do not let longing for what others have rule our heart. Scripture offers practical steps: learn contentment, trust God’s provision, and be thankful in all things. When we practice these habits together, we help one another. These Bible Verses About Envy encourage us to rest in the Lord, to wait patiently, and to keep our eyes on God’s promises. As we train ourselves to be grateful, the hunger for what others possess will fade. God promises to be with us, and that promise gives peace that outshines what envy seeks to take.
Philippians 4:11
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. – Philippians 4:11
1 Timothy 6:6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6
Hebrews 13:5
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. – Hebrews 13:5
Luke 12:15
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. – Luke 12:15
Psalm 37:7
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. – Psalm 37:7
Bible Verses About Envy — Warnings and Commands Against Envy
In Bible Verses About Envy, God gives direct warnings. He lists envy among the works of the flesh and calls it a problem to put away. The New Testament writers tell us to lay aside envy as we lay aside malice or hypocrisy. Moses made a command against coveting, which is close to envy, so God’s law shows envy is taken seriously. These Bible Verses About Envy are not meant to shame us without hope. They are meant to move us to action: to confess, to change, and to seek God’s help. When we see envy named clearly, we can better spot it. That spotting leads to repentance. We should not hide envy or excuse it. Instead, in community we help one another and call each other to a higher standard. These Bible Verses About Envy call us to live differently — to choose peace, holiness, and the life God wants for us.
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. – Galatians 5:19-21
James 3:14
“But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. – James 3:14
1 Peter 2:1
“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisie, and envie, and all slander, – 1 Peter 2:1
Colossians 3:5
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. – Colossians 3:5
Exodus 20:17
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. – Exodus 20:17
Bible Verses About Envy — How to Replace Envy with Love and Christian Virtues
As we study Bible Verses About Envy, we learn the virtues that displace envy. Scripture points us to rejoicing with others, humility, love, truth, and preferring one another. When we practice these virtues, envy loses its grip. The Bible tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and to esteem others better than ourselves. These Bible Verses About Envy give us a clear plan: change our attitudes, practice love, and build a community that celebrates each person’s gifts. We can pray for a soft heart that feels joy for others. We can speak aloud blessings for people instead of secret resentments. That is how Bible Verses About Envy become practical. They teach habits: speak kindly, forgive quickly, celebrate honestly. Over time, these habits change our thoughts and free us from envy’s burden.
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. – Romans 12:15
Philippians 2:3
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. – Philippians 2:3
1 Corinthians 13:6
“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth. – 1 Corinthians 13:6
Romans 12:10
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; – Romans 12:10
Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. – Ephesians 4:31
Bible Verses About Envy — The Roots of Envy: Lust, Coveting, and Desire
When we read Bible Verses About Envy, we see that it often grows from desire that is not right. The Bible calls it the lust of the eyes, covetousness, and selfish desire. These things show us the root before the fruit. If we handle the root, we can prevent the harm. These Bible Verses About Envy encourage us to watch what we want and why we want it. They remind us to bring every desire under God’s rule. When we identify the desire that points toward envy, we can pray, confess, and change our habits. That may mean turning off comparison, limiting what we look at, or practicing contentment. These Bible Verses About Envy help us see that the battle begins in our inward life. Then the battle can be won with prayer, discipline, and God’s grace.
1 John 2:16
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. – 1 John 2:16
James 4:2
“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war among yourselves. – James 4:2
James 4:5
“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? – James 4:5
Titus 3:3
“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. – Titus 3:3
Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. – Colossians 3:13
Bible Verses About Envy — Envy and Conflict in the Early Church and Public Life
When we look at Bible Verses About Envy in the book of Acts and the letters, we see real church conflicts. Envy fueled attacks against Paul and stirred trouble in the cities. In the early church, envy led people to oppose the message rather than hear it. These Bible Verses About Envy show that envy can make people cruel and loud against the truth. The writers warn that envy often sits behind public quarrels and slander. We learn from these verses that envy is not just private; it affects how a church or community acts. When we see envy in teams or churches, the remedy is truth, humble service, and prayer. These Bible Verses About Envy call us to hold to the gospel, to love one another, and not to let envy shape our public witness.
Acts 17:5
“But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the rabble, and gathering about the city, set all the city on an uproar. – Acts 17:5
Acts 13:45
“But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. – Acts 13:45
Philippians 1:15
“Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will. – Philippians 1:15
2 Corinthians 12:20
“For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strife, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: – 2 Corinthians 12:20
Song of Solomon 8:6
“Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. – Song of Solomon 8:6
Bible Verses About Envy — Wisdom on Not Envying the Wicked and Handling Social Tension
When we read Bible Verses About Envy, we find wise counsels about how to react to the success of people who do wrong. The Psalms and Proverbs urge us not to be envious of the wicked. That kind of envy tempts us to follow the wrong path or to lose trust in God’s justice. These Bible Verses About Envy advise patience, trust, and hope in God’s timing. They remind us that what looks like success now is often short-lived, and God sees the end. The wisdom literature helps us keep our hearts steady. When we face social tension, envy can push us into hatred or despair. Instead, Bible Verses About Envy teach us to pray, to hold to right conduct, and to wait for God’s goodness. This wisdom helps us live in peace, even when others prosper wrongly.
Proverbs 24:1
“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. – Proverbs 24:1
Proverbs 3:31
“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. – Proverbs 3:31
Matthew 20:11
“And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, – Matthew 20:11
Psalm 73:3
“For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. – Psalm 73:3
Genesis 4:5
“But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. – Genesis 4:5
Bible Verses About Envy — Practical Responses: Prayer, Repentance, and Content Living
Finally, Bible Verses About Envy give us steps to take. We are called to turn from coveting and to practice contentment. We can pray for soft hearts and confess when we compare. The Bible shows examples of leaders who wanted what others had and paid dearly for it. But Scripture also offers practical acts: speak blessing over others, give thanks every day, serve those we envy, and replace comparison with celebration. These Bible Verses About Envy help us form healthy habits. If we fall, we can repent, ask forgiveness, and get back on the path. We do not have to fight envy alone. We have community, we have prayer, and we have God’s Spirit to help. These Bible Verses About Envy give hope: change is possible, and God will help us become people who love without envy.
1 Kings 21:2
“And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. – 1 Kings 21:2
Numbers 12:1
“And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. – Numbers 12:1
Acts 6:9
“Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. – Acts 6:9
Proverbs 28:22
“He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. – Proverbs 28:22
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Final Thoughts
I have walked with you through Bible Verses About Envy to help us see the problem and the path forward. We read warning words, true stories, and strong commands, but we also found comfort and practical help. We are not alone in this struggle.
As we move on, let us practice the simple things the Bible gives us: confess when we compare, pray for thankful hearts, rejoice with others, and choose contentment. We can rely on God’s grace and the support of our brothers and sisters to follow a better way.
Let us ask God to give us humble hearts, peace in our minds, and joy for other people’s blessings. Together, we can replace envy with love and build lives that honor God.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
30 Important bible verses about selflessness (With Explanation)