Bible Verses About Jealousy

"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."

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."

"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up."

"Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?"

"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity."

"Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying."

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings."

What does the Bible say about jealousy?

Jealousy is one of the most corrosive emotions in the human heart. It destroyed Cain's relationship with Abel, drove Saul to madness against David, and tore apart Joseph's family. Key King James Version passages include Proverbs 14:30, James 3:16, Galatians 5:26. This page collects 10 KJV verses about jealousy, each quoted in full.

Is jealousy a sin in the Bible?

Yes, jealousy (envy) is listed as a work of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21 and is described as 'the rottenness of the bones' in Proverbs 14:30. It leads to 'confusion and every evil work' (James 3:16). However, God's jealousy for His people (Exodus 34:14) is a holy desire for exclusive devotion.

How do I overcome jealousy according to the Bible?

Scripture prescribes gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18), contentment (Philippians 4:11), celebrating others (Romans 12:15), and remembering God's unique plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11) as antidotes to jealousy.

What is the difference between God's jealousy and sinful jealousy?

God's jealousy (Exodus 34:14) is a righteous desire for the exclusive devotion that is rightfully His — like a faithful spouse's jealousy over their marriage. Human jealousy (Galatians 5:21) is typically selfish, coveting what belongs to others or resenting their blessings.

What are the dangers of jealousy?

James 3:16 warns that 'where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.' Jealousy led Cain to murder Abel, Saul to chase David, and Joseph's brothers to sell him into slavery. Left unchecked, it destroys relationships and corrupts character.