What Does the Bible Say About Envy?
What Does the Bible Say About Envy? Envy is consistently condemned as destructive to the soul and contrary to the love God calls believers to practice.
Key verse: Proverbs 14:30 (KJV)
Envy is consistently condemned as destructive to the soul and contrary to the love God calls believers to practice.
Envy is consistently condemned as destructive to the soul and contrary to the love God calls believers to practice.
"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
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Proverbs 14:30 warns that 'envy is the rottenness of the bones.' Galatians 5:19-21 lists envying among the works of the flesh. James 3:14-16 says, 'Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.' Envy was the motive behind Cain killing Abel, Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery, and the religious leaders crucifying Jesus (Mark 15:10). The antidote to envy is contentment and love — Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:4 that 'charity envieth not.' Philippians 4:11 models contentment: 'I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.' Romans 12:15 encourages believers to 'rejoice with them that do rejoice,' transforming envy into celebration of others' blessings.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
What the Bible teaches about God's grace — unmerited favor and undeserved love.
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."
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy?
The Bible condemns human jealousy as destructive and sinful while affirming that God's jealousy is a righteous desire for exclusive devotion from His people.
What Does the Bible Say About Pride?
The Bible warns that pride is the root of many sins, leading to destruction and separation from God, while humility is the path to grace and honor.
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.
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Read it in context
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 Envy?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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