What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy and Envy?
What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy and Envy? The Bible identifies jealousy and envy as destructive sins that rot the bones and urges believers to find contentment in God's provision.
Key verse: Proverbs 14:30 (KJV)
The Bible identifies jealousy and envy as destructive sins that rot the bones and urges believers to find contentment in God's provision.
The Bible identifies jealousy and envy as destructive sins that rot the bones and urges believers to find contentment in God's provision.
"A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones." — Proverbs 14:30 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Jealousy and envy are consistently condemned in Scripture. Proverbs 14:30 says 'envy is the rottenness of the bones.' James identifies envy as a source of confusion and evil works (James 3:16). Paul lists it among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:21). The story of Cain killing Abel, Saul pursuing David, and Joseph's brothers selling him all demonstrate envy's destructive power. However, the Bible also speaks of God's 'jealousy'—not envy, but a righteous zeal for what belongs to Him (Exodus 34:14). The antidote to envy is contentment, gratitude, and trusting God's sovereign plan for your life (Philippians 4:11-13).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy & Envy?
What the Bible teaches about jealousy, envy, and finding contentment.
Key Scripture References
"A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones."
"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."
"Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Contentment?
The Bible teaches that godliness with contentment is great gain, and believers can learn to be content in all circumstances through Christ's strength.
What Does the Bible Say About Managing Anger?
The Bible acknowledges anger as a human emotion but warns against sinful anger, urging believers to be slow to anger and quick to forgive.
What Is Covetousness According to the Bible?
Covetousness is an intense desire for what belongs to others, prohibited by the Tenth Commandment and described by Paul as idolatry.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy and Envy?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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