What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy?
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.
Key verse: Proverbs 14:30 (KJV)
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.
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.
"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
Scripture addresses two kinds of jealousy. Human jealousy — envy of others' blessings, status, or relationships — is consistently condemned. Proverbs 14:30 warns, 'A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.' James identifies jealousy as a source of 'confusion and every evil work' (James 3:16). The Bible is full of cautionary examples: Cain killed Abel out of jealousy, Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, Saul tried to murder David, and the religious leaders handed Jesus to Pilate out of envy. In contrast, God describes Himself as jealous (Exodus 20:5), but this is righteous jealousy — the protective, loving desire of a husband for his wife's faithfulness. God's jealousy is not petty or selfish; it flows from His holy love and His right as Creator to receive undivided worship. Paul experienced a similar godly jealousy for the churches he planted (2 Corinthians 11:2).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Anger?
What Scripture teaches about righteous anger, sinful rage, and managing emotions.
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."
"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Anger?
The Bible distinguishes between righteous anger and sinful anger, teaching believers to be 'slow to wrath' and to resolve anger quickly.
What Is Sin According to the Bible?
Sin is any thought, word, or action that falls short of God's perfect standard — essentially, missing the mark of His holiness.
What Are the Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments are God's moral law given to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing fundamental principles for humanity's relationship with God and others.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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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 Jealousy?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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