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
The life of the body is a heart at peace, But envy rots the bones.
- Exodus 34:14
for you shall worship no other god: for Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
- James 3:16
For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
- Proverbs 23:17
Don't let your heart envy sinners; But rather fear Yahweh all the day long.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,
- Galatians 5:19-21
[19] Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, [21] envyings, 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 the Kingdom of God.
- Galatians 5:26
Let's not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.
- 1 Peter 2:1
Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking,
- Proverbs 24:1
Don't be envious of evil men; Neither desire to be with them:
- Titus 3:3
For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- General scriptures concerning Job 5:2; Job 5:3; Psalms 37:1; Psalms 37:7; Psalms 49:16; Psalms 73:3; Psalms 73:17-20; Psalms 112:10; Proverbs 3:31; Proverbs 14:30; Proverbs 23:17; Proverbs 24:1
- INSTANCES OF
- Cain, of Abel Genesis 4:4-8
- Sarah, of Hagar Genesis 16:5; Genesis 16:6; Genesis 21:9; Genesis 21:10
- Philistines, of Isaac Genesis 26:14
- Rachel, of Leah Genesis 30:1
- Leah, of Rachel Genesis 30:15
- Laban’s sons, of Jacob Genesis 31:1
- Joseph’s brethren, of Joseph Genesis 37:4-11; Genesis 37:19; Genesis 37:20; Acts 7:9
- Joshua, of Eldad and Medad Numbers 11:28-30
- Miriam and Aaron, of Moses Numbers 12:1-10
- Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, of Moses Numbers 16:3; Psalms 106:16-18
- Saul, of David 1 Samuel 18:8; 1 Samuel 18:9; 1 Samuel 18:29; 1 Samuel 20:31
- Haman, of Mordecai Esther 5:13
- The princes of Babylon, of Daniel Daniel 6:4
- Priests, of Jesus Matthew 27:18; Mark 15:10; John 11:47
- Jews, of Paul and Barnabas Acts 13:45; Acts 17:5
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Forbidden Proverbs 3:31; Romans 13:13
- Produced by foolish disputation 1 Timothy 6:4
- Excited by good deeds of others Ecclesiastes 4:4
- A work of the flesh Galatians 5:21; James 4:5
- Hurtful to the envious Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:30
- None can stand before Proverbs 27:4
- A proof of carnal-mindedness 1 Corinthians 3:1; 1 Corinthians 3:3
- Inconsistent with the gospel James 3:14
- Hinders growth in grace 1 Peter 2:1; 1 Peter 2:2
- The wicked
- Are full of Romans 1:29
- Live in Titus 3:3
- Leads to every evil work James 3:16
- Prosperity of the wicked should not excite Psalms 37:1; Psalms 37:35; Psalms 73:3; Psalms 73:17-20
- Punishment of Isaiah 26:11
- Exemplified
- Cain Genesis 4:5
- Philistines Genesis 26:14
- Laban’s sons Genesis 31:1
- Joseph’s brethren Genesis 37:11
- Joshua Numbers 11:28; Numbers 11:29
- Aaron, &c Numbers 12:2
- Korah, &c Numbers 16:3; Psalms 106:16
- Saul 1 Samuel 18:8
- Sanballat, &c Nehemiah 2:10
- Haman Esther 5:13
- Edomites Ezekiel 35:11
- Princes of Babylon Daniel 6:3; Daniel 6:4
- Chief Priests Mark 15:10
- Jews Acts 13:45; Acts 17:5
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