Jealousy & Envy is one of the themes Scripture returns to again and again. Envy is one of the quietest poisons. Scripture treats it with honesty and offers contentment as the antidote — not pretending, but renewing the mind.
People reach for these passages when they're looking up jealous, envy, envious, comparison, or some version of "what does the Bible say about jealousy & envy?"
Among the most-cited passages on this theme are James 3:14-16, Proverbs 14:30, Galatians 5:26, 1 Corinthians 13:4, and others below. James 3:14-16 is the passage many readers return to first.
The page also offers a written prayer that names jealousy & envy plainly and asks God for what's needed in this moment. It is not a magic formula — it is a small, faithful starting point.
A short reflection question sits at the bottom of the page: Whose life have you been measuring yours against, and what does God want to say to you about it? Sit with it for a minute, or carry it into a journal.
If this isn't quite the right doorway, try a closely related theme: Contentment, Comparison, Pride.
Verses
James 3:14-16
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
Proverbs 14:30
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
Galatians 5:26
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
1 Corinthians 13:4
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Psalms 73:1-3
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Reflection
Whose life have you been measuring yours against, and what does God want to say to you about it?
Related topics
Want to search by feeling instead? Type what's on your heart on the home page.