What Does the Bible Say About Envy — Meaning Explained
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)
What "What Does the Bible Say About Envy?" Actually Means
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.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Proverbs 14:30
"A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones."
James 3:16
"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."
1 Corinthians 13:4
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy and Envy?
Sin & Salvation
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Sin & Salvation
God Promises Victory Over Sin
Bible promises that you can overcome sin through Christ's power.
God Promises to Forgive Your Sins
Bible promises about complete forgiveness, cleansing, and the removal of guilt t
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.