Bible Verses About Jealousy and Envy

"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."

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

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

"But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth."

"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb."

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

"Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long."

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like."

What does the Bible say about jealousy and envy?

Jealousy and envy are among the most destructive emotions — they poison relationships, breed bitterness, and blind us to our own blessings. The Bible addresses these sins directly and offers the remedy of contentment and gratitude. Key King James Version passages include Proverbs 14:30, James 3:16, Galatians 5:26. This page collects 10 KJV verses about jealousy and envy, each quoted in full.

Is jealousy always sinful?

Human jealousy driven by covetousness is sinful. However, the Bible speaks of God being 'jealous' for His people (Exodus 34:14), which refers to His righteous desire for exclusive devotion — not petty envy.

How can I overcome envy?

By practicing gratitude, praying for those you envy, meditating on God's unique purpose for your life, and asking the Holy Spirit to produce contentment in your heart.