Jealousy, the resentful longing for what others possess, is a destructive emotion that poisons relationships and undermines contentment. Let’s guard against jealousy as we explore the verses that caution against its harmful effects, urging us to cultivate gratitude, trust, and a spirit of generosity toward others in all circumstances.
Checkout: Bible Verses About Obedience
Bible Verses About Jealousy
James 3:14-16
“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
This passage warns against harboring jealousy and selfish ambition in our hearts. It emphasizes that such attitudes do not come from God but rather from earthly and worldly influences. Jealousy and selfish ambition lead to disorder and create an environment that breeds evil practices.
Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of jealousy. Envy eats away at our inner being, causing emotional and spiritual decay. In contrast, a heart at peace brings life and vitality to our entire being.
1 Corinthians 3:3
“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?”
Paul admonishes the Corinthian church for their jealousy and quarreling. He challenges them to rise above worldly behavior and instead exhibit the qualities of Christ-followers.
Proverbs 27:4
“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
This verse emphasizes the power of jealousy. It suggests that jealousy can have a devastating impact, overpowering and overwhelming individuals to the point where they cannot control their actions.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In this passage, jealousy is listed as one of the acts of the flesh, highlighting its sinful nature. Those who live a lifestyle characterized by jealousy, along with other sinful behavior, will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Proverbs 23:17
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.”
This verse encourages believers not to envy the wicked, but instead to have a fervent reverence and obedience towards God. It reminds us that our focus should be on God and His ways, rather than on worldly pursuits.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
As part of the famous “love chapter,” this verse highlights jealousy as incompatible with genuine love. Love is characterized by patience, kindness, and humility, not envy or pride.
Proverbs 6:34
“For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.”
This verse illustrates the destructive consequences of jealousy in a marriage. It warns that jealousy can lead to anger and a desire for revenge, resulting in broken relationships and damaged lives.
James 4:2
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.”
Although not explicitly mentioning jealousy, this verse speaks to the motivations behind jealousy. Jealousy often stems from covetous desires that go unfulfilled, leading to quarrels and even violence.
Proverbs 17:5
“Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”
This verse warns against gloating or taking pleasure in the misfortune of others. Such behavior displays a lack of compassion and respect for the Creator, and it will ultimately result in punishment.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
While not specifically about jealousy, this verse provides comfort and encouragement when facing temptations, including jealousy. It reminds us that God is faithful and will provide a way to resist and overcome any temptation we may encounter.
Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of jealousy. Envy eats away at our inner being, causing emotional and spiritual decay. In contrast, a heart at peace brings life and vitality to our entire being.
Proverbs 23:17
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.”
This verse encourages believers not to envy the wicked, but instead to have a fervent reverence and obedience towards God. It reminds us that our focus should be on God and His ways, rather than on worldly pursuits.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
As part of the famous “love chapter,” this verse highlights jealousy as incompatible with genuine love. Love is characterized by patience, kindness, and humility, not envy or pride.
Proverbs 6:34
“For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.”
This verse illustrates the destructive consequences of jealousy in a marriage. It warns that jealousy can lead to anger and a desire for revenge, resulting in broken relationships and damaged lives.
James 4:2
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.”
Although not explicitly mentioning jealousy, this verse speaks to the motivations behind jealousy. Jealousy often stems from covetous desires that go unfulfilled, leading to quarrels and even violence.
Proverbs 17:5
“Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”
This verse warns against gloating or taking pleasure in the misfortune of others. Such behavior displays a lack of compassion and respect for the Creator, and it will ultimately result in punishment.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
While not specifically about jealousy, this verse provides comfort and encouragement when facing temptations, including jealousy. It reminds us that God is faithful and will provide a way to resist and overcome any temptation we may encounter.
Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of jealousy. Envy eats away at our inner being, causing emotional and spiritual decay. In contrast, a heart at peace brings life and vitality to our entire being.
Proverbs 23:17
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.”
This verse encourages believers not to envy the wicked, but instead to have a fervent reverence and obedience towards God. It reminds us that our focus should be on God and His ways, rather than on worldly pursuits.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
As part of the famous “love chapter,” this verse highlights jealousy as incompatible with genuine love. Love is characterized by patience, kindness, and humility, not envy or pride.
Proverbs 6:34
“For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.”
This verse illustrates the destructive consequences of jealousy in a marriage. It warns that jealousy can lead to anger and a desire for revenge, resulting in broken relationships and damaged lives.
James 4:2
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.”
Although not explicitly mentioning jealousy, this verse speaks to the motivations behind jealousy. Jealousy often stems from covetous desires that go unfulfilled, leading to quarrels and even violence.
Proverbs 17:5
“Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”
This verse warns against gloating or taking pleasure in the misfortune of others. Such behavior displays a lack of compassion and respect for the Creator, and it will ultimately result in punishment.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
While not specifically about jealousy, this verse provides comfort and encouragement when facing temptations, including jealousy. It reminds us that God is faithful and will provide a way to resist and overcome any temptation we may encounter.
Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of jealousy. Envy eats away at our inner being, causing emotional and spiritual decay. In contrast, a heart at peace brings life and vitality to our entire being.
Proverbs 23:17
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.”
This verse encourages believers not to envy the wicked, but instead to have a fervent reverence and obedience towards God. It reminds us that our focus should be on God and His ways, rather than on worldly pursuits.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
As part of the famous “love chapter,” this verse highlights jealousy as incompatible with genuine love. Love is characterized by patience, kindness, and humility, not envy or pride.
Proverbs 6:34
“For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.”
This verse illustrates the destructive consequences of jealousy in a marriage. It warns that jealousy can lead to anger and a desire for revenge, resulting in broken relationships and damaged lives.
James 4:2
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.”
Although not explicitly mentioning jealousy, this verse speaks to the motivations behind jealousy. Jealousy often stems from covetous desires that go unfulfilled, leading to quarrels and even violence.
Proverbs 17:5
“Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”
This verse warns against gloating or taking pleasure in the misfortune of others. Such behavior displays a lack of compassion and respect for the Creator, and it will ultimately result in punishment.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
While not specifically about jealousy, this verse provides comfort and encouragement when facing temptations, including jealousy. It reminds us that God is faithful and will provide a way to resist and overcome any temptation we may encounter.
Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of jealousy. Envy eats away at our inner being, causing emotional and spiritual decay. In contrast, a heart at peace brings life and vitality to our entire being.
Proverbs 23:17
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.”
This verse encourages believers not to envy the wicked, but instead to have a fervent reverence and obedience towards God. It reminds us that our focus should be on God and His ways, rather than on worldly pursuits.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
As part of the famous “love chapter,” this verse highlights jealousy as incompatible with genuine love. Love is characterized by patience, kindness, and humility, not envy or pride.
Proverbs 6:34
“For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.”
This verse illustrates the destructive consequences of jealousy in a marriage. It warns that jealousy can lead to anger and a desire for revenge, resulting in broken relationships and damaged lives.
James 4:2
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.”
Although not explicitly mentioning jealousy, this verse speaks to the motivations behind jealousy. Jealousy often stems from covetous desires that go unfulfilled, leading to quarrels and even violence.
Proverbs 17:5
“Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”
This verse warns against gloating or taking pleasure in the misfortune of others. Such behavior displays a lack of compassion and respect for the Creator, and it will ultimately result in punishment.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
While not specifically about jealousy, this verse provides comfort and encouragement when facing temptations, including jealousy. It reminds us that God is faithful and will provide a way to resist and overcome any temptation we may encounter.