Bible Verses About Jealousy

15 Bible verses about jealousy

1. "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."

   This verse teaches us that jealousy opens the door to bad choices and confusion in our friendships.

2. "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot."

   A peaceful and happy heart keeps us healthy, but jealousy hurts us from the inside out.

3. "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant"

   True love means being happy for others instead of wishing we had what is theirs.

4. "Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?"

   Jealousy is a very powerful and dangerous feeling that can do more damage than quick anger.

5. "You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask."

   Instead of fighting and being jealous, we should talk to God and ask Him for what we need.

6. "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."

   This reminds us that jealousy is part of our old, sinful nature that Jesus came to save us from.

7. "Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy."

   God wants us to live honest, clean lives, which means leaving jealousy behind.

8. "So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander."

   We are told to throw away jealous feelings just like we would throw away old, dirty clothes.

9. "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."

   This verse shows how strong love is, and how fiercely protective true love can be.

10. "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."

    Thinking of others first keeps us from getting jealous of what they have.

11. "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."

    One of God's big rules is that we should not want other people's things.

12. "Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways,"

    We should never wish to be like people who do bad things, even if they seem successful.

13. "Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day."

    Instead of wishing we could do what others do, we should focus on loving and respecting God.

14. "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."

    Being happy for others when good things happen to them is a cure for a jealous heart.

15. "(for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),"

    God's jealousy is holy because He loves us too much to let us worship false gods.

A prayer about jealousy

Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes my heart feels jealous of other people. I get sad when they get things I want. Please forgive me for not trusting You to take care of me. Thank You for loving me so much and for giving me so many wonderful gifts. Please help me to be happy for others when they succeed. Fill my heart with Your peace and help me to rest in Your great love today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Common questions

Is all jealousy bad according to the Bible?

No, not all jealousy is bad. When humans feel jealous, it is usually because we are being selfish and wanting something that belongs to someone else. But the Bible says God is jealous for us. His jealousy is holy and good because He is our Creator and loves us. He wants us to love Him most because He knows that is what is best for us.

What should I do when I start feeling jealous of a friend?

The first thing you can do is talk to God about it. Tell Him how you feel and ask Him to help you. Then, try to do two things: thank God for three good things in your own life, and pray for your friend. Asking God to bless your friend is a wonderful way to replace jealousy with love.

What does the Bible mean when it says envy rots the bones?

This is a picture word that shows how bad jealousy is for us. Just like rotten bones make a body weak and sick, jealousy makes our hearts and minds feel sick inside. It steals our joy, peace, and energy. God wants us to have happy, peaceful lives, which is why He warns us to stay away from envy.

How does Jesus help me when I feel like I am not good enough?

Jealousy often comes when we think we are not good enough. Jesus reminds us of our true value. He loved us so much that He gave His life for us! When you trust in Jesus, you become a precious child of God. You do not need to compare yourself to anyone else because you are already perfectly loved by Him.

How can I help a friend who is jealous of me?

If a friend is jealous of you, the best thing to do is to be very kind and humble. Do not brag or show off the things you have. Instead, make sure they know how much you value them as a friend. You can also pray quietly for them, asking God to fill their heart with peace and joy.