What does the Bible say about envy?
The Bible identifies envy as a destructive force in the human heart, consistently warning against it in both the Old and New Testaments. Envy distorts relationships, disrupts communities, and undermines trust in God’s provision. While modern culture may downplay envy as a minor flaw, Scripture reveals its deep spiritual danger. From Cain’s anger at Abel to the crucifixion of Christ, envy plays a deadly role in redemptive history.
This article explores five essential biblical truths about envy:
Envy is a hallmark of the unredeemed life
Envy rejects God’s kingship and provision
The Gospel transforms envious hearts
Humility before Scripture corrects envious thinking
God’s generosity defeats envy
1. Envy Is a Hallmark of the Unredeemed Life
The Bible describes envy as more than jealousy—it is a sorrowful grudge against another’s blessing, fueled by pride and dissatisfaction. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word qin'â captures this emotion (Genesis 30:1), and in the New Testament, phthonos names it among the works of the flesh.
Paul writes in Romans 1:29 that the unrighteous are “filled with all manner of unrighteousness… envy, murder, strife,” connecting envy to broader patterns of rebellion. Similarly, in Galatians 5:21, envy appears in the list of behaviors that “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
The most striking example of envy’s consequences is found in Matthew 27:18, where we are told the religious leaders handed Jesus over to be crucified because of envy. This moment reveals the horrifying end of unchecked envy—it crucifies the righteous. Far from a private emotion, envy unleashes chaos when left unchallenged.
2. Envy Rejects God’s Kingship and Provision
At its core, envy is theological—it is a rejection of God’s sovereign rule and generosity. The envious heart does not simply desire what another has; it questions why God has given it to them and not to oneself. Rather than rejoicing in God's distribution of blessings, envy pouts in protest.
Jesus taught his followers to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Envy does the opposite—it seeks first the kingdom of self, measuring worth by comparison rather than communion. As James writes in James 3:14–16, “if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition… this is not the wisdom that comes from above.” Instead, it is “earthly, unspiritual, demonic,” leading only to “disorder and every vile practice.”
The Bible offers no neutral space for envy. It is not a harmless irritation, but a serious threat to godly living. In envying others, we forget that all blessings come from the hand of a good and sovereign God who provides exactly what each person needs to fulfill His purpose.
3. The Gospel Transforms Envious Hearts
The good news of the Bible is that envy, like every other sin, can be overcome through the saving work of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us in Romans 3:10–12, 23 that all have sinned, and envy is part of that fallen nature. But in Christ, believers receive a new identity and a new heart.
Through the Spirit’s power, Christians are called to “put off the old self… and put on the new self” (Ephesians 4:22–24). This includes laying aside envy in all its forms. In Colossians 3:10, Paul describes this new self as “being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator,” a transformation that moves us from comparison to contentment.
The Gospel reshapes our emotional life. It teaches us to rejoice in the blessings of others because we ourselves are secure in Christ. Our identity is no longer defined by what we lack, but by the riches of God’s grace. Envy is replaced by gratitude, and bitterness by joy.
4. Humility Before Scripture Corrects Envious Thinking
Overcoming envy begins with how we approach the Bible. A proud heart will twist Scripture to reinforce personal dissatisfaction, while a humble heart allows the Word to correct and heal. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). This warning directly challenges those who secretly cling to envy.
James exhorts believers to “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). A teachable spirit is essential for recognizing envy in oneself and repenting of it. The Scriptures do not flatter the envious—they expose the heart and invite transformation.
Envy often takes root when the Bible is read as a tool for self-justification rather than as God’s revelation of truth. When read rightly, Scripture realigns our perspective and reminds us that we serve a generous King who owes us nothing yet gives us everything in Christ.
5. God’s Generosity Defeats Envy
The Bible reveals a God whose generosity leaves no room for envy. He is not stingy or partial. “He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). God's blessings are not earned, and His provision is never miscalculated.
The Psalms warn against envying those who seem to prosper unjustly. “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers” (Psalm 37:1). Why? Because the Lord’s justice is sure, and His provision is sufficient. Contentment flows from trust in the King—not from control over outcomes.
The Bible calls believers to imitate God's generosity by celebrating the blessings of others. When we trust the goodness of our heavenly Father, envy has no foothold. The kingdom of God is not a competition but a communion. In Christ, there is enough grace for all.
Conclusion: Envy Has No Place in the Kingdom
Envy is not a minor flaw to be tolerated—it is a soul-sickness that undermines our trust in God and our love for others. The Bible consistently names it as a vice incompatible with life in the kingdom of God. It pits us against God's providence and poisons community life.
But the Gospel tells a better story. In Jesus, envy is defeated. Through the Spirit, hearts are renewed. Citizens of God’s kingdom are called to contentment, joy, and love—not resentment. By submitting to God's wisdom, receiving His Word with humility, and celebrating His generosity, believers are freed from the corrosive grip of envy.
Bible Verses about Envy:
Genesis 30:1, "When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. She said to Jacob, 'Give me children, or I shall die!'"
Proverbs 14:30, "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot."
Psalm 37:1, "Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!"
Ecclesiastes 4:4, "Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind."
Matthew 27:18, "For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up."
Romans 1:29, "They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness."
Galatians 5:21, "Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
James 3:16, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."
1 Corinthians 13:4, "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant."
Titus 3:3, "For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another."
