The Bible warns against the destructive nature of envy, which can lead to strife and division. In Proverbs, it is noted that envy can rot the bones, causing harm to oneself and others. Exodus emphasizes the importance of worshiping God alone, warning against envy or jealousy towards other gods, as stated in Exodus 34:14. The New Testament also addresses envy, with 1 Corinthians 13:4 describing love as the opposite of envy, and James 3:16 highlighting the chaos that arises from envy and selfish ambition. Proverbs 23:17 encourages believers to rejoice in the success of others, rather than envying them.
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For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
He continued: “What comes out of a man, that is what defiles him. For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.”