Bible verses about jealousy
Proverbs 14:30, Galatians 5:26 and James 3:14-16 are the verses to read on jealousy and envy. They tie envy to a restless body, to comparing yourself with others, and to disorder in a group. All eleven verses are below in full.
Free to read, no account. Last updated November 9, 2026. Scripture: King James Version and World English Bible (public domain).
1.Proverbs 14:30
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
In the World English Bible
The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones.
Calm is good for the body, and envy eats away at it. One of the oldest health tips.
2.Galatians 5:26
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
In the World English Bible
Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.
Paul lists envy among the things to stop, right next to provoking one another.
3.James 3:14-16
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
In the World English Bible
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
Envy and selfish ambition are named as the roots of disorder. James doesn't dress it up.
4.Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
In the World English Bible
Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?
Anger is fierce, but jealousy is harder to stand against. A short, honest observation.
5.Psalm 37:1-3
Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
In the World English Bible
Don’t fret because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture.
Don't burn yourself up over people who seem to get away with it. Trust and do good instead.
6.Genesis 4:3-5
And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
In the World English Bible
As time passed, Cain brought an offering to the LORD from the fruit of the ground. Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. The LORD respected Abel and his offering, but he didn’t respect Cain and his offering. Cain was very angry, and the expression on his face fell.
Cain sees God accept his brother's gift and not his own. Jealousy shows up in the first family.
7.Genesis 37:3-4
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.
In the World English Bible
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a tunic of many colors. His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn’t speak peaceably to him.
Joseph's brothers hate him over their father's favoritism. A family problem, plain and ugly.
8.Psalm 73:2-3
But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
In the World English Bible
But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Asaph admits he nearly slipped from envying people who seemed to be doing fine.
9.Matthew 20:12-15
Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
In the World English Bible
saying, ‘These last have spent one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat!’ “But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me for a denarius? Take that which is yours, and go your way. It is my desire to give to this last just as much as to you. Isn’t it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?’
Workers grumble that latecomers got the same pay. The owner asks if his generosity makes them envious.
10.Exodus 20:17
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
In the World English Bible
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
The tenth commandment targets wanting what belongs to someone else.
11.John 21:21-22
Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
In the World English Bible
Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me.”
Peter asks about another disciple's future. Jesus tells him to focus on following.
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Read today's verseQuestions
What is a good Bible verse about jealousy?
Proverbs 14:30 is a good place to start. Calm is good for the body, and envy eats away at it. One of the oldest health tips.
What is the difference between jealousy and envy in the Bible?
English translations use the words loosely. Envy usually means wanting what someone else has, as in Exodus 20:17 and James 3:14-16. Jealousy can also describe protective zeal, and Scripture even says God is jealous, in Exodus 20:5.
How do I stop being jealous?
Psalm 37:1-3 suggests focusing on what to trust and do instead of comparing. Galatians 5:26 names envy as something to leave behind, and John 21:21-22 shows Jesus steering Peter away from comparing paths. Those verses don't remove the feeling by themselves, though, and talking with a trusted person can help.
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Made by Lamplight, a small Sarvixo product. Notes on each verse are ours, written with AI tools and checked against the passage. The verses are printed exactly as published.