28 Bible Verses About Jealousy to Help You Overcome Feelings of Envy
Experiencing jealous feelings isn't always easy, but these encouraging verses can help.
Whether you grew up reading the Bible or began your spiritual journey on your own as you grew older, there's no denying the fact that it can be difficult. Though we often hear of the greatest parts about knowing God, struggling through feelings of despair, anxiety, fearfulness, and jealousy are a part of the journey, too. While no one tells you much about those things before you make the decision to follow God, these feelings are actually more common than you may believe. And it's for this very reason that you should keep a few Bible verses about jealousy handy to help you through those tough moments — and remind you that jealousy is something that many people experience.
It's common to hear others read off Bible verses about happiness and verses about joy as testaments to God's goodness, but the truth of the matter is, struggling through negative feelings happens to everyone. From feeling as if God has skipped over you for a blessing to seeing others that aren't living what you feel to be a righteous life still thriving, jealousy can occur during any part of your spiritual journey — even if you've been on the road for decades.
The great part about negative feelings, however, is that while they may be common, they don't have to last forever — and this list of scriptures about jealousy will help you understand why. Need more encouragement? Read these inspirational Bible verses to keep you going.
Exodus 34:14
“You must not bow down to another god, because the Lord is passionate: the Lord’s name means ‘a passionate God.’”
The Good News: Even if you fall short of giving God glory at all time, He’s a loving and forgiving God.
Proverbs 6:34
“Jealousy makes a man rage; he’ll show no mercy on his day of revenge.”
The Good News: God’s love outweighs any worldly feelings you experience.
Proverbs 14:30
“A peaceful mind gives life to the body, but jealousy rots the bones.”
The Good News: God can give you peace and soothe your soul.
Proverbs 27:4
“Wrath is cruel and anger is a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?”
The Good News: Jealousy may sneak up on you, but with God, it can be eliminated.
Zephaniah 1:18
“Moreover, their silver and their gold won’t be able to deliver them on the day of the Lord’s fury. His jealousy will devour the entire land with fire; he will make an end, a truly horrible one, for all the inhabitants of the land.”
The Good News: Putting God first will save your soul.
Matthew 27:18
“He knew that the leaders of the people had handed him over because of jealousy.”
The Good News: Even when those you know turn on you, God will make them your footstool.
Acts 13:45
“When the Jews saw the crowds, they were overcome with jealousy. They argued against what Paul was saying by slandering him.”
The Good News: All may seem bleak, but when you put your faith in God, He’ll turn your darkest moments into light.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The actions that are produced by selfish motives are obvious, since they include sexual immorality, moral corruption, doing whatever feels good, idolatry, drug use and casting spells, hate, fighting, obsession, losing your temper, competitive opposition, conflict, selfishness, group rivalry, jealousy, drunkenness, partying, and other things like that. I warn you as I have already warned you, that those who do these kinds of things won’t inherit God’s kingdom.”
The Good News: Doing well in God’s eyes is better than anything of this world.
James 3:16
“Wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and everything that is evil.”
The Good News: When you do things with pure intentions, order and positivity will overflow from your life.
Romans 12:21
“Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.”
The Good News: Just because you see those doing better than you, that doesn’t mean God has forgotten about you.
Exodus 20:17
“Do not desire and try to take your neighbor’s house. Do not desire and try to take your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox, donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”
The Good News: Your blessings are coming — even if you can’t see it yet.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hate stirs up conflict, but love covers all offenses.”
The Good News: With love, we can conquer it all.
Psalm 37:1
“Don’t get upset over evildoers; don’t be jealous of those who do wrong.”
The Good News: God rewards those who do well.
James 4:2
“You long for something you don’t have, so you commit murder. You are jealous for something you can’t get, so you struggle and fight. You don’t have because you don’t ask.”
The Good News: God is always there for you.
Romans 13:13
“Let’s behave appropriately as people who live in the day, not in partying and getting drunk, not in sleeping around and obscene behavior, not in fighting and obsession.”
The Good News: The best parts of life are when we can give glory to God.
Titus 3:3
“We were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, and slaves to our desires and various pleasures too. We were spending our lives in evil behavior and jealousy. We were disgusting, and we hated other people.”
The Good News: Even if you’ve lived a life that isn’t pleasing to God, He always welcomes you to come back home.
1 Peter 2:1-3
“Therefore, get rid of all ill will and all deceit, pretense, envy, and slander. Instead, like a newborn baby, desire the pure milk of the word. Nourished by it, you will grow into salvation, since you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
The Good News: God’s good word will save you.
Proverbs 24:1
“Don’t envy evil people, and don’t long to be with them.”
The Good News: God rewards those who are faithful and patient.
1 Corinthians 10:22
“Or should we make the Lord jealous? We aren’t stronger than he is, are we?”
The Good News: God’s love far outweighs anything in this world.
Psalm 73:2-4
“But me? My feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped because I envied the arrogant; I observed how the wicked are well off: They suffer no pain; their bodies are fit and strong.
The Good News: The wicked may seem to achieve success without any consequence, but God always gets the final say.
Ni'Kesia Pannell is an entrepreneur, multi-hyphenate freelance writer, and self-proclaimed Slurpee connoisseur that covers news and culture for The Kitchn. She's the former Weekend Editor for Delish who also writes about faith, health and wellness, travel, beauty, lifestyle, and music for a range of additional outlets.
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