What does the Bible say about jealousy?

"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." —James 3:16

Wanting what someone else possesses has been a part of human nature since forever. Remember when Adam and Eve's son killed his brother in a jealous rage (Genesis 4:3-8)? Later, God told Moses to write down for the Israelites, "Hey, stop envying other people's stuff!" (Exodus 20:17; paraphrased).

In the New Testament, Jesus clarified, "Stop wanting other people's stuff because there's more to life than STUFF" (Luke 12:15; paraphrased).

Clearly, jealousy is a problem for human beings, which is why the Bible warns us against dwelling upon feelings of envy.

Why Jealousy is a Sin

"A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;jealousy is like cancer in the bones." —Proverbs 14:30

Feeling jealous or envious is...unpleasant...all around. Envy saps the joy we could experience from our own lives. Dwelling upon those feelings will lead to more unpleasant emotions—like anger, frustration, and discontentment (Proverbs 14:30). Allowing jealous or envious thoughts to take over the mind is a sin because it puts all importance and focus on ourselves, disregarding others' needs and interests.

Self-centeredness is not a characteristic we should allow to control us. God's specific will is different for each person, and we need to remember that we are all on our own journey. When we focus solely on what we want, we begin to forget how to be grateful for what we DO have—and that other people are deserving of blessings too (Matthew 13:15).

Jealousy Controls Us

"You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn't that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren't you living like people of the world?" —1 Corinthians 3:3 (NLT)

Feelings of jealousy and envy put little cracks in our personal satisfaction with life. They whisper that we shouldn't be content with what God has given us—that what we have isn't enough.

And, yes, sometimes it does feel that way. But these aren't feelings we should dwell upon, because they'll eat away at our sense of joy and ability to feel gratitude and compassion for others.

"Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." —Galatians 5:26

Taking Back Control

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them." —Matthew 7:12

Rather than allowing jealousy to control our thoughts, words, and actions, we should intentionally express care for others as much as we care for ourselves (Matthew 22:39; Philippians 2:3-5). We ought to love one another just as God loves us (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

When we allow ourselves to thank God for others' blessings rather than wishing we have something we don't, then we hand control back to the Holy Spirit. Choosing to handle feelings of jealousy in a healthy way is to practice self-control, which is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

God has unimaginable good planned for you, and He isn't going anywhere (Romans 8:28; Hebrews 13:5). Take the focus off selfish desires and jealousy and turn it toward doing good and finding ways to love as Jesus loves.

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus." —Philippians 2:3-5

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