Jealousy, a stirring emotion often depicted as the green-eyed monster, is addressed in the Bible profoundly.
James 3:16 states, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” This verse succinctly captures the destructive nature of jealousy, warning that it breeds chaos and immoral behavior.
It reminds us that personal ambition should not eclipse communal harmony and that the pursuit of individual desires must be balanced with the well-being of others.
The Bible thus encourages us to reflect on our intentions and foster unity and peace.
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30 Bible Verses About Jealousy
1. Proverbs 14:30
“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.”
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This verse from Proverbs contrasts the effects of a peaceful heart with envy’s corrosive nature.
A tranquil heart, symbolic of contentment and inner peace, is life-giving and nurturing and leads to a wholesome and fulfilling existence.
In stark contrast, envy is depicted as a destructive force that causes deep-seated decay, akin to rotting bones. The imagery is powerful, urging believers to seek serenity within and to avoid the bitterness that jealousy can bring.
2. 1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.”
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Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians provides a profound definition of love that excludes jealousy.
Love, as described here, is patient, kind, and devoid of envy. It does not compete co, compare, or seek to elevate oneself by diminishing others.
This verse calls for a selfless love that rejoices in the well-being of others rather than resenting their success. It’s a reminder that true love is generous and secure, free from the constraints of jealousy.
3. James 3:14-16
“But if you have bitter jealousy 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.”
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These verses from James caution against harboring jealousy and selfish ambition, linking them to chaos and evil deeds.
It’s a stark warning that such emotions do not align with divine wisdom but are rooted in worldly, unspiritual thoughts.
4. Romans 13:13
“Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.”
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Paul encourages believers to live honorably and avoid behaviors associated with darkness, including jealousy. This verse promotes a lifestyle of integrity and peace, free from the strife that jealousy can cause.
5. Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 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.”
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This passage lists jealousy among the works of the flesh that are contrary to God’s will. It warns that such behaviors can hinder one’s spiritual inheritance.
6. 1 Corinthians 3:3
“For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?”
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Paul points out that jealousy and strife are indicators of spiritual immaturity. This verse calls for self-examination and growth beyond petty conflicts.
7. Acts 7:9
“And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him.”
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This verse recounts the story of Joseph, whose brothers were moved by jealousy to sell him into slavery. It highlights the destructive actions that jealousy can lead to and God’s faithfulness in adversity.
8. Genesis 4:4-5
“And Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.”
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The story of Cain and Abel illustrates how jealousy can lead to the gravest of sins, as Cain’s jealousy resulted in the murder of his brother Abel.
9. Proverbs 27:4
“Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
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This proverb acknowledges jealousy’s intense and consuming nature, suggesting it is even more formidable than anger or wrath.
10. Song of Solomon 8:6
“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord.”
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In this poetic verse, jealousy is compared to the unyielding power of death and the intensity of divine fire, emphasizing its potent and consuming nature.
11. Job 5:2
“For wrath kills a foolish man, and jealousy slays the silly one.”
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Job’s speech warns that jealousy can be as deadly as anger, particularly for those who lack wisdom.
12. 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.”
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Solomon observes that much human labor is driven by envy, a futile pursuit lacking lasting value.
13. Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
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This verse from Philippians encourages believers to act out of humility rather than jealousy or pride, valuing others above themselves.
14. 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.”
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Paul reminds Titus of the past life without God, marked by envy and hatred, contrasting it with the new life in Christ.
15. 1 Samuel 18:8
“And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?'”
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King Saul’s jealousy of David’s military successes reveals how jealousy can lead to fear and irrational thinking.
16. Matthew 27:18
“For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.”
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Pilate recognizes that Jesus was handed over to him out of the Jewish leaders’ jealousy, showing how it can blind people to justice and truth.
17. Acts 13:45
“But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.”
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The Jewish leaders’ jealousy of Paul’s influence led them to oppose his message, demonstrating how jealousy can lead to resistance against truth.
18. Numbers 5:14
“And if the spirit of jealousy comes over him and he is jealous of his wife who has defiled herself, or if the spirit of jealousy comes over him and he is jealous of his wife, though she has not defiled herself…”
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This verse addresses the husband’s jealousy in marital relationships. It acknowledges that jealousy can arise even without actual wrongdoing, emphasizing the need for trust and communication.
19. Acts 13:46
“And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, ‘It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.'”
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Paul’s response to Jewish rejection demonstrates how jealousy can hinder receptivity to the Gospel.
20. Proverbs 27:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
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This proverb highlights the danger of flattery and insincere praise, which can stem from jealousy. True friends provide honest feedback, even if it stings.
21. Acts 17:5
“But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.”
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The jealousy of the Jews toward Paul and Silas led to violent actions. This verse illustrates how envy can escalate into harmful behavior.
22. Romans 11:11
Did they stumble so that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous.”
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Paul explains that God’s plan includes salvation for both Jews and Gentiles. Israel’s jealousy catalyzes the spreading of the Gospel beyond its borders.
23. 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!'”
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Rachel’s jealousy of her sister Leah’s fertility led to strife and desperation. This verse portrays the destructive effects of envy within a family.
24. Matthew 20:15
“Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?”
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In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, Jesus addresses jealousy. The landowner’s response emphasizes God’s sovereignty and generosity.
25. Acts 5:17-18
“But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.”
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The religious leaders’ jealousy of the apostles’ influence led to their imprisonment. Jealousy can close our eyes to God’s work.
26. 1 Samuel 18:9
“And Saul eyed David from that day on.”
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King Saul’s jealousy of David’s popularity and success intensified over time. This verse shows how envy can consume a person’s thoughts.
27. Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
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Paul encourages believers to avoid jealousy and pride. Envy disrupts relationships and fosters division.
28. James 4:5
“Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, ‘He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us’?”
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James reminds us that God desires our wholehearted devotion. His jealousy is not sinful but reflects His passionate love for His creation.
29. 1 Corinthians 10:22
“Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?”
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Paul warns against idolatry and disobedience, which can provoke God’s righteous jealousy. Our loyalty should be to Him alone.
30. Ecclesiastes 9:6
“Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun.”
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In contemplating life’s fleeting nature, Solomon acknowledges that envy ultimately leads to emptiness
Conclusion
The Bible offers profound insights into the destructive nature of jealousy. From warnings about its impact on relationships to reminders of God’s unwavering love, these verses encourage us to examine our hearts and choose love over envy.
Let us seek tranquility, humility, and contentment, recognizing that jealousy corrodes while love brings life.
May we embrace the wisdom in Scripture and cultivate hearts that reflect God’s grace and selflessness.