What does the Bible say about envy?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that envy is a sinful desire for another person’s place, possessions, gifts, or favor, and it destroys peace, love, and faithful contentment in God. Proverbs 14:30 portrays envy as rottenness within, while James 3:16 links it to disorder and every vile practice. It belongs to the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21 and is opposed to the patient, kind love that does not envy in 1 Corinthians 13:4. Scripture warns believers not to envy sinners or evil people, but to fear the Lord and trust His providence (Proverbs 23:17; 24:1). Through repentance and the renewing grace of Christ, Christians are called to put away envy, humble themselves, and rejoice in God’s gifts to others.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 14:30 7 votes
The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones.
- Exodus 34:14 5 votes
for you shall worship no other god; for Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
- James 3:16 4 votes
For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
- Proverbs 23:17 4 votes
Don’t let your heart envy sinners, but rather fear Yahweh all day long.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4 4 votes
Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud,
- Galatians 5:19-21 3 votes
Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.
- Galatians 5:26 3 votes
Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.
- 1 Peter 2:1 3 votes
Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking,
- Proverbs 24:1 3 votes
Don’t be envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them;
- Titus 3:3 2 votes
For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
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