What is Envy? What the Bible Says About This Sin
Envy. It’s a word we’ve all heard, but when was the last time you stopped to think about what it truly means? Envy, in its simplest form, is feeling discontent or resentment when others have something you desire. It’s a subtle, sneaky feeling that can creep into our hearts when we least expect it.
But what’s even the big deal about this emotion? Does the Bible warn us against it? And if it does, why? Better yet, how can we overcome it in light of Jesus’ teachings?
This article covers all these and more.
What Exactly is Envy?
At its core, envy is a feeling of dissatisfaction or longing when we see someone else with something we want. It could be their success, possessions, relationships, or even their qualities. Thomas Aquinas defined it as “sorrow for another’s good.”
Envy and jealousy are often used interchangeably, even in modern Bible translations. However, the two aren’t exactly the same.
Envy is that feeling you get when you wish you had something someone else has. It’s that sense of longing or frustration when you see someone else enjoying what you want but don’t have.
Jealousy, on the other hand, comes from the fear of losing something—or someone—you already have. It’s that anxiety that creeps in when you worry that what’s yours might be taken away.
Interestingly, the Bible does mention a “godly jealousy” (2 Corinthians 11:2), which is kind of like a protective, righteous passion. But when it talks about envy, it’s never in a positive light.
Another word that the Bible closely associates with envy is covetousness. To covet means to really want something that belongs to someone else.
This often involves physical things like land or property, and it’s a selfish desire that ignores the rights of others. Nonetheless, it can also involve people, as when used in Exodus 20:17:
“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.”
What Does the Bible Say About Envy?
The Bible is clear: envy is a sin. It’s a destructive emotion that can poison our hearts and breed bitterness and hatred.
“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.”
Proverbs 14:30 (ESV)
This scripture tells us that envy rots us from the inside out. You see, it distorts our view of life and of God’s provision, leading us to desire what isn’t meant for us. Worse, it can and often leads to anger, division, and even hatred. That’s why envy is so dangerous. Because when we allow it to take root, it can lead us to sin in more destructive ways.
For instance, look at the story of Cain and Abel. Cain, the older brother, killed Abel out of envy because God looked with favor on the latter’s sacrifice but didn’t accept Cain’s offering (Genesis 4:3–5).
We also see envy present in Leah’s and Rachel’s relationship. The latter envied her sister because Leah gave birth to sons while Rachel remained childless (Genesis 30:1). Saul envied David for his victories in battle and his popularity among the people (1 Samuel 15:6–16).
Finally, it was envy that led the Pharisees and Jewish leaders to have Jesus arrested and eventually killed.
“So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.”
Matthew 27:17-18 (ESV)
In all the examples above, envy didn’t stop at the feeling. It led to sin. It’s, therefore, no wonder that Peter warms us to put aside envy.
“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.”
1 Peter 2:1–2 (ESV)
Paul also had some strong words against envy and those who allow it to take root in their hearts.
“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness… Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die…”
Romans 1:28-32 (ESV)
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV)
Now, let’s turn to our example, our standard for righteous living. What did Jesus say about envy? The first thing Jesus pointed out was that envy is a thing of the heart. He called it an inward vice that defiles a man.
“For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Mark 7:21–23 (ESV)
Another thing that Jesus emphasized during His earthly ministry was the importance of love. This was His command to every follower of His:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
What does this have to do with envy? Well, Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 gives us a comprehensive overview of what love is and what love isn’t. And guess what? He insists that love does not envy.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.”
1 Corinthians 13:4 (ESV)
As such, if we are to walk in love as Jesus commanded, then we can’t allow envy to form and mature in our hearts. We must learn to nip it in the bud. But how?
How Can We Escape Envy?
To completely escape envy, we’d have to put off these earthly bodies and put on our heavenly bodies. But as long as we’re human, there’ll always be times when we’re tempted to envy another person. However, we can choose not to let the seed grow.
Thoughts of envy might seek entrance into our hearts and minds, but we have control over whether or not they come in. It’s no wonder the writer of Proverbs says to “keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Guard your heart. Refuse to let envy through the door. As Paul instructs, we must,
“destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)
How to Overcome Envy
What do you do if you notice envy has crept into your heart? Remember, you’re only human, and envy is a very human feeling. You won’t be the first Christian to struggle with it, neither would you be the last. This, however, doesn’t mean that we should accept or embrace it. As with other temptations, there’s always a way out.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
Here are some practical ways to overcome envy:
1. Recognize the Root of Envy
The first step in overcoming envy is to recognize it for what it is. Envy typically comes from a place of dissatisfaction with our own circumstances. As such, we become tempted to compare ourselves to others or feel resentful of someone else’s success or possessions.
In such times, we must acknowledge and confess this sin to God. He is faithful to forgive us and to help us overcome it. That’s the first step toward freedom.
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:8-9 (ESV)
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
Proverbs 28:13 (ESV)
Envy is a sin that can be overcome through God’s grace. When we confess it, we open the door for healing and transformation in our hearts.
2. Learn Contentment
Envy isn’t just about being unsatisfied with our current situation. It’s also a discontentment that causes us to resent the blessings of others. So, like Paul, we must learn to say,
“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”
Philippians 4:12 (ESV)
The NIV puts it like this: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
How can we do this? How can we practice contentment in the face of lack? The first step is to understand that there is more to life than possessions. Hear the words of Jesus.
“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Luke 12:15 (ESV)
And that “more” is Jesus. We must come to a place where we can say, “As long as I have Jesus, I have everything.”
The writer of Hebrews puts it thus:
“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.”
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)
This scripture tells us that we become content when we are assured that God will indeed never leave nor forsake us.
3. Focus on Gratitude
One of the most effective ways to fight envy is to have a heart of gratitude. Envy thrives when we focus on what we lack. Gratitude, on the other hand, shifts our focus to what we have.
Jesus constantly taught us to be thankful, whether it was for the small things or the great blessings. When we focus on God’s goodness and provision, envy has less room to take root.
“giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:20 (ESV)
4. Celebrate the Success of Others
Instead of resenting the success or blessings of others, it’s God’s will that we celebrate them.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
Romans 12:15 (ESV)
When we rejoice with others, we move away from envy and embrace the truth that God is good to everyone. This, in turn, creates unity and fosters a spirit of love.
In Conclusion
Envy is a sneaky emotion. If we’re not watchful, it can creep into our hearts and cause problems in our spiritual lives and relationships. It can lead to division, strife, and bitterness.
James 3:16 (NIV) says, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
At its heart, envy is actually a form of misplaced worship. When we envy something, we’re essentially saying, “I want that. I desire that. I wish I had that.” We place something other than God at the center of our hearts, and when we do that, it becomes an idol.
But here’s the good news. As followers of Jesus Christ, we don’t have to be slaves to envy. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has made us alive in the Spirit (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3; Romans 6:7-11).
Sure, the struggle between our sinful nature and the Spirit is real. But we have the Holy Spirit living in us, and He gives us the strength to fight against envy and refocus our hearts on what truly matters.
Written by Juliet (Chisom) I.