What does the Bible say about jealousy and envy?
Envy and unhealthy jealousy are named as sins of the heart — wanting what belongs to another and resenting their good. Scripture treats them as corrosive, and counters them with contentment, gratitude, and trust in God's own care.
Scripture distinguishes between two senses of jealousy. God's own jealousy is the rightful protection of his covenant love — exclusive devotion he is owed. Sinful jealousy in us, however, is wanting what is not ours and resenting another's blessing.
Galatians 5 lists 'envy' among the works of the flesh, and James calls 'bitter jealousy' earthly and demonic. The reason is the damage it does: it estranges friends, fuels gossip, and sours our joy in God. Cain killed Abel out of envy; the brothers sold Joseph for the same reason.
The biblical cure is positive, not just negative. Take your eyes off others and back to God — his faithfulness to you, his daily gifts, the eternal inheritance no one can take. Cultivate gratitude. And learn to rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15), which slowly turns envy into love.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.