What Does the Bible Say About Envy?
Key Scriptures and spiritual guidance on envy
The Bible addresses envy as a destructive emotion that can lead to many sins and conflicts. Envy is often associated with discontentment and a lack of gratitude for what one has been blessed with. In the Bible, envy is contrasted with contentment and a spirit of thankfulness. The book of Proverbs warns against envy and its consequences, urging readers to instead focus on trusting in the Lord and being content with what they have.
Bible Verses About Envy
Proverbs 14:30KJV
“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”
James 3:16KJV
“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
Proverbs 24:1KJV
“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.”
Galatians 5:26KJV
“Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”
1 Corinthians 3:3KJV
“For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”
Proverbs 23:17KJV
“Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.”
Titus 3:3KJV
“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”
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