Envy is a sin that we all struggle with at times. It involves coveting what someone else has or resenting their success. The Bible has a lot to say about envy and provides wisdom for overcoming it. Here is an overview of the key biblical teaching on this topic:
The Ten Commandments forbid envy. The tenth commandment says, “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” (Exodus 20:17). This prohibition against coveting covers desiring and being envious of what belongs to others.
Envy stems from selfish desires. James 4:1-3 explains that fights and quarrels among people come from our passions at war within us. We desire and covet, yet do not have, so we kill and envy. This envy arises from our selfish desires rather than trusting God to provide what we need.
Envy leads to many other sins. Envy can lead to theft, murder, deceit, strife, slander, and arrogance (Romans 1:29-30). Joseph’s brothers envied him so much that they initially plotted to kill him and eventually sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:11). Envy is a rot that leads to many other manifestations of wickedness.
We should not envy wicked people. Psalm 37:1 warns, “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!” Even though the wicked may seem to prosper for a time in their evil deeds, their end will be destruction. So we should not look upon them with envy because true lasting joy is found in godliness, not unrighteousness.
Pursue contentment rather than envy. Rather than envying what others have, pursue contentment. As 1 Timothy 6:6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” And Hebrews 13:5 instructs, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Contentment comes from finding satisfaction and purpose in Christ.
Envy grieves the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30-32 exhorts us to “put away all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander” and instead be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving. These loving actions grieve the Holy Spirit while envy opposes the Spirit and His work in our lives.
The fruits of the Spirit counter envy. As we walk by the Spirit, He produces good fruit in our lives such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). These virtues are incompatible with envy, which corrodes these godly traits.
Pray for others rather than envying them. When we struggle with envy towards someone, we should pray for them rather than resenting their blessings (James 5:9). Interceding for them aligns our hearts with God’s desire to bless them.
Envy springs from prideful comparison. 2 Corinthians 10:12 warns against comparing ourselves with others and boasting beyond proper limits. Envy flows out of proud comparison rather than humble stewardship of the gifts God has entrusted to each of us.
Rejoice in others’ honor rather than envying them. Romans 12:15 says to “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” When others are honored or blessed, we can rejoice in their joy rather than begrudging them. This displays the unselfish love of Christ.
Envy is a work of the flesh. Galatians 5:19-21 lists envy as one of the sinful works of the flesh along with hatred, strife, and jealousy. This malice opposes the fruit the Holy Spirit desires to cultivate in our lives.
Confess envy as sin before God. When we recognize envy in our hearts, we need to humbly confess it before God as sin. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Bringing it to Christ cleanses and frees us from its grip.
Seek heavenly treasures over earthly ones. Matthew 6:19-21 exhorts us to lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth where thieves can steal and destroy them. Envy often arises when our heart is set on earthly things rather than the everlasting inheritance Christ has secured for us.
Give thanks to God in every circumstance. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” A spirit of gratitude helps stifle envy of others as we thank God for His provision in our lives.
Rejoice in others’ gifts rather than envying them. We are all given varying gifts and blessings by God (Romans 12:6). When we recognize others’ gifts with joy and seek to bless them rather than resent them, we honor both them and God the giver.
Envy springs from discontentment and pride. A discontented heart that focusing on “lacking” coupled with prideful comparison lie at the root of envy. The antidote is finding our contentment and identity in Christ alone, not earthly things.
Put on love, the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:14 encourages us, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Loving others and rejoicing in their blessings provides a sharp contrast to corrosive envy.
Envy is a mark of spiritual immaturity. 1 Corinthians 3:3 warns, “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?” Envy reveals our fleshly desires rather than spiritual maturity.
Envy will be judged by God. God sees the hidden motivations of our heart. Romans 2:16 declares, “on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” Envy does not escape God’s notice.
Do not envy sinners. Proverbs 3:31 counsels, “Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways.” Even though evil men may temporarily profit through violence, we must refrain from envying their fleeting unrighteous gain.
Pray for a heart of compassion, not envy. Rather than begrudging others’ blessings, we should pray for a heart of Christ-like compassion toward them. As Philippians 2:1-4 exhorts us to look to others’ interests above our own.
The prosperity of the wicked will fade. Psalm 73 wrestles with why the wicked prosper. But their prosperity is a slippery slope leading to destruction. The only firm rock is God Himself (Psalm 73:26).
Envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30 observes that a “heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Envy destroys us from the inside out, while peace nourishes both body and soul.
Envy leads to deceit and evil plans. Proverbs 24:1-2 warns us not to envy evil men or desire their company, for “their minds devise violence, and their lips talk of mischief.” Envy provokes our own evil scheming.
We reap what we sow, not what others have. Galatians 6:7-8 reminds us God cannot be mocked. We reap what we sow, so must not compare ourselves to others. Eyes fixed on Christ bring eternal reward.
The righteous poor are blessed. Those persecuted for righteousness are blessed and will receive the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:10). The poor in spirit and pure in heart are also blessed (Matthew 5:3-8). Riches do not determine God’s blessing.
Boast only in Christ. Galatians 6:14 proclaims, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our standing before God comes through Christ’s work, not envying earthly advantages.
Imitate Christ’s humility. Philippians 2:1-11 points to Christ as the supreme example of humble selflessness and obedience. Following Christ’s model puts envy to death in our lives.
Envy is a barrier to hearing God’s Word. Mark 4:14-20 describes how envy and other sins prevent the Word of God from bearing fruit in one’s life. We must ruthlessly root out envy to grow spiritually.
Christ endured hostility from envious sinners. The religious leaders delivered Jesus to death out of their envy of Him (Mark 15:10). But He endured this hostility for our salvation.
Love builds up; envy tears down. 1 Corinthians 8:1 declares, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” Envy puffs up pride and resentment, while Christ-like love builds others up.
The abundance of the rich will not save them. Luke 12:15-21 warns against greed, as life does not consist of possessions. Those storing up earthly wealth will face eternal poverty without reliance on God.
You cannot serve both God and riches. Matthew 6:24 states plainly “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve God and money.” Pursuing wealth breeds discontentment. Complete satisfaction is in Christ alone.
Store up treasures in heaven. Jesus instructed in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Pursuing heavenly reward in Christ purges envy of earthly things.
God will supply all our needs. Philippians 4:19 promises, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” We can be content in Him rather than looking around with envy.
Throw off sin and live by the Spirit. Romans 6 teaches we must consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ. This includes throwing off envy and walking by the Holy Spirit and His fruit.
The proud will be brought low. James 4:6 states, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Those driven by envy and pride will be opposed and brought low by the Lord.
Do everything without grumbling. Philippians 2:14 instructs, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” Grumbling most often flows from a heart of envy and discontentment with God’s providence.
Pride precedes a fall. Proverbs 16:18 warns that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Prideful envy sets us up for calamity rather than God’s blessing.
Love does not envy. 1 Corinthians 13:4 states that love “does not envy.” The manifestations of godly love oppose the presence of envious motives and attitudes.
Envy leads to disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16 reveals that where envy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. Envy is a poison that corrupts everything.
The Lord gives and takes away. Job 1:21 exemplifies finding blessing and contentment in God Himself, regardless of earthly possessions. “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Coveting plants seeds of trouble. Proverbs 28:25 warns that “a greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.” Trying to get what others have breeds trouble.
Stop judging by outward appearance. John 7:24 instructs, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” Outward prosperity does not signify God’s blessing, so we must not judge by it.
The heavens and earth will pass away. 1 John 2:15-17 describes this world passing away, so we must not love it or anything in it. Living for Christ’s eternal kingdom frees us from envy.
God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 extols the virtues and blessings of generous, cheerful giving to others. This generosity opposes an envious, greedy heart.
Timothy was taught to pursue righteousness, not riches. 1 Timothy 6:6-11 contrasts pursuing riches versus pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, and gentleness. The latter bring life and contentment.
Envy is a mark of carnality, not spirituality. James 3:14-16 contrasts earthly/demonic wisdom with godly wisdom from above. Earthly wisdom produces envy and strife, but godly wisdom is pure, peaceful, gentle, and full of mercy.
Coveting stirs up conflict. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” Envy corrodes our lives, while a peaceful heart nourishes.
Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Romans 13:10 proclaims, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Love fulfills God’s law while envy violates it.
Envy can be turned to zeal by God’s grace. Before conversion, Paul was full of envy and hostility toward Christians. But by God’s grace his envy was turned to zeal and he preached the faith he once destroyed (Galatians 1:23-24).
Be satisfied with what you have. Hebrews 13:5 instructs, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have.” Purging envy starts with cultivating godly contentment.
Envy comes from the world, not the Father. 1 John 2:15-17 contrasts the lusts of the world, the flesh, and the eyes with the eternal will of God. Envy springs from the world, not our heavenly Father.
The heavens and earth will pass away. 1 John 2:15-17 describes this world passing away, so we must not love it or anything in it. Living for Christ’s eternal kingdom frees us from envy.