What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy?
What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy? The Bible distinguishes between godly jealousy (God's righteous zeal for His people) and sinful envy, which it calls destructive, divisive, and a work of the flesh.
Key verse: Proverbs 14:30 (KJV)
The Bible distinguishes between godly jealousy (God's righteous zeal for His people) and sinful envy, which it calls destructive, divisive, and a work of the flesh.
The Bible distinguishes between godly jealousy (God's righteous zeal for His people) and sinful envy, which it calls destructive, divisive, and a work of the flesh.
"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
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The Biblical Answer
God describes Himself as 'a jealous God' (Exodus 20:5) — His jealousy is righteous zeal for the exclusive relationship He deserves with His people. Paul expressed 'godly jealousy' for the Corinthians' spiritual fidelity (2 Corinthians 11:2). However, human envy and jealousy are consistently condemned. Proverbs 14:30 warns, 'Envy is the rottenness of the bones.' James 3:16 states, 'Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.' Galatians 5:21 lists envyings among the works of the flesh. Envy drove Cain to murder Abel (Genesis 4:5-8), Joseph's brothers to sell him (Genesis 37:11), and the Jewish leaders to crucify Jesus (Matthew 27:18). The antidote is contentment and love: 'Charity envieth not' (1 Corinthians 13:4). Romans 12:15 instructs, 'Rejoice with them that do rejoice' — the opposite of envy. Philippians 4:11-13 teaches contentment through Christ's strength.
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."
"Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Contentment?
True contentment comes not from circumstances but from trusting in God's sufficiency and finding satisfaction in Christ alone.
What Does the Bible Say About Anger?
The Bible distinguishes between righteous anger and sinful wrath, commanding believers to be slow to anger and to resolve it quickly.
How Does God Forgive Sin?
God forgives sin through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ — when a person repents and believes, God removes their guilt 'as far as the east is from the west.'
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
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
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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
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