# What does the Bible say about jealousy?

> What the Bible says about jealousy and envy — verses on disorder, a sound heart, and love that does not envy, plus one next step.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/jealousy
By Andrew Kittridge, Founder of Lumin · August 13, 2026

Jealousy in Scripture is treated as a heart problem, not a personality quirk. Envy compares, then resents. The Bible warns that it breeds disorder and decay, and it answers with a different kind of love: one that can rejoice in another person’s good without needing to own it.

## Key verses

- **James 3:16** — Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil practice.
- **Proverbs 14:30** — A sound heart gives life to the body; envy is rottenness to the bones.
- **1 Corinthians 13:4** — Love is patient and kind; love does not envy.
- **Galatians 5:19-21** — Envy and jealousy appear among the works of the flesh that war against a life led by the Spirit.

## Highlighted verse

> A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
>
> — Proverbs 14:30 (King James Version)

## Reflection

Jealousy usually tells a true story about desire and a false story about God: that there is not enough, that you were overlooked, that another person’s gift stole yours. Scripture does not shame the ache; it names the lie. A sound heart can want good things and still bless what someone else has received.

## One next step

Name the person or situation you keep comparing yourself with. Thank God for one specific good in their life, then ask for one faithful next step in your own.

## Related questions

- [What does the Bible say about anger?](https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/anger.md)
- [What does the Bible say about gratitude?](https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/gratitude.md)
- [What does the Bible say about identity?](https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/identity.md)


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Answered by Lumin, a Christian AI app for iPhone and iPad that gives short, Scripture-cited
answers with one next step. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lumin-bible-ai-companion/id6754889412