What does the Bible say about envy?
Envy manifests as a destructive force in human relationships, characterized by a sorrowful grudge against others' advantages or blessings. Scripture identifies this negative trait through distinct terminology—the Hebrew word qin'â in the Old Testament (Genesis 30:1) and the Greek phthonos in the New Testament. The Bible consistently portrays envy as characteristic of the unredeemed life, placing it among other sinful tendencies that Christians should actively avoid. As Paul warns in Romans 1:29 and Galatians 5:21, envy belongs to the catalog of vices that stand in opposition to godly living. Perhaps most strikingly, envy directly contributed to Christ's crucifixion, as Matthew 27:18 reveals that the religious authorities delivered Jesus to Pilate out of envy. This demonstrates the potentially catastrophic consequences when envy is allowed to flourish unchecked in the human heart.
Envy fundamentally represents a rejection of God's kingship and sovereign authority over human affairs. Rather than submitting to and rejoicing in God's distribution of blessings, the envious heart questions divine wisdom and provision. This attitude directly contradicts Jesus' teaching to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33), instead focusing on perceived personal lack rather than divine abundance. The envious person lives according to worldly principles of comparison and competition rather than heavenly values of contentment and celebration of others' good fortune. As James 3:14-16 teaches, "But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."
The gospel's transformative power provides the remedy for envy by addressing the whole person—mind, heart, and will. Scripture declares that all people are sinners by nature (Romans 3:10-12, 23), with envy being one manifestation of this fallen condition. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers receive a new identity and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:22-24). This process of renewal involves a conscious effort to cultivate contentment and joy in others' blessings rather than resentment. As Paul instructs in Colossians 3:10, the new self "is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator," a transformation that includes the eradication of envy and the development of godly attitudes toward others.
Approaching Scripture with humility is essential for overcoming envy and understanding God's character correctly. "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6), suggesting that pride—often connected to envy—can hinder spiritual understanding. When reading the Bible, an envious heart may distort interpretation to justify discontentment or comparison. Instead, believers are called to "receive with meekness the implanted word" (James 1:21), approaching Scripture with a teachable spirit and willingness to be transformed. This humility before God's Word allows for accurate comprehension of His generous nature and perfect will for human relationships, establishing a foundation for victory over envy.
The envious heart starkly contrasts God's boundless generosity and gracious character. Scripture consistently portrays God as abundantly benevolent, bestowing gifts and blessings according to His sovereign will rather than human merit or expectation. As Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:45, the Father "makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust," demonstrating impartial goodness. When believers comprehend this divine generosity, envy loses its foothold, replaced by gratitude and joy in God's provision for all. The psalmist instructs, "Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers" (Psalm 37:1), pointing to trust in God's sovereign distribution of blessings as the antidote to envy. By embracing God's kingship and aligning with His generous heart, Christians can overcome the destructive power of envy and live as faithful citizens of His kingdom.
