Today we will talk about bible verses about jealousy in the King James Version (KJV). Jealousy is something many of us experience at different points in our lives. It can seep into our hearts and create feelings of inadequacy or resentment towards others. The Bible speaks to this topic openly, encouraging us to understand and overcome these feelings. As we dive into these verses, let us approach them with open hearts, seeking guidance and wisdom on how to deal with jealousy in our own lives. It’s important to remember that we can find strength and support in God’s word, and through these verses, we can learn how to foster love and understanding instead of envy.
Bible Verses About Jealousy KJV
Jealousy and Its Consequences
In our journey, we often witness the impact of jealousy—not only on ourselves but also on those around us. The Bible teaches us about how jealousy can lead to negative emotions and actions. When we allow jealousy to creep into our hearts, we may find ourselves acting in ways that do not reflect our Christian values. It can lead to bitterness, conflict, or even broken relationships. Understanding the consequences of jealousy helps us to be on guard and keep our hearts aligned with God’s love. We should strive to recognize the signs of jealousy in ourselves and others, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us towards love, peace, and reconciliation. Let’s remind ourselves that we can cultivate trust in God, knowing that He has a unique plan for each of us.
Proverbs 14:30
“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30
James 3:16
“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” – James 3:16
Proverbs 27:4
“Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” – Proverbs 27:4
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…” – Galatians 5:19-21
Job 5:2
“For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.” – Job 5:2
Overcoming Jealousy
When faced with jealousy, we may feel trapped in a cycle of negative emotions. However, the Bible provides us with tools to overcome these feelings. Through prayer, reflection, and community support, we can defeat jealousy in our lives. Seeking God’s help is essential; He invites us to cast our worries and fears upon Him. It’s also important for us to focus on gratitude, celebrating the blessings in our lives and the lives of others. By doing so, we can gradually shift our mindset from jealousy to genuine joy for others. Let’s remember that we are all on our own unique journey, and through God’s grace, we can emerge stronger and filled with love instead of envy.
Philippians 4:11-13
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:11-13
1 Corinthians 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
Romans 12:21
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
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.” – Psalm 37:1-3
Colossians 3:2
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Finding Contentment
Jealousy often stems from discontentment with our own lives. The Bible calls us to find contentment in what we have and who we are. By recognizing our worth as beloved children of God, we can begin to view ourselves through His eyes, rather than comparing ourselves to others. Contentment helps us to understand that God provides for our needs, and He has a unique purpose for each of us. Let’s make an effort to keep our focus on the good things in our lives, appreciating the gifts and opportunities God has given us. When we do this, we will cultivate a heart of gratitude, making it easier to release jealousy and embrace joy.
1 Timothy 6:6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6
Hebrews 13:5
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” – Hebrews 13:5
Matthew 6:25-26
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” – Matthew 6:25-26
Psalm 23:1
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1
Proverbs 30:8-9
“Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” – Proverbs 30:8-9
Love over Jealousy
As we face feelings of jealousy, we must remember the commandment to love one another. Love is the antidote to jealousy, and the Bible encourages us to foster love in our hearts. When we choose love, we push out negativity and embrace kindness, compassion, and understanding. Loving others often requires us to put aside our own insecurities and rejoice in their achievements and blessings. It is in these moments that we truly reflect God’s character. By shifting our perspective from jealousy to love, we will not only bless others, but we will also find our own hearts lightened and filled with joy.
1 John 4:20-21
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” – 1 John 4:20-21
John 13:34
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” – John 13:34
Colossians 3:14
“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” – Colossians 3:14
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Romans 13:10
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Jealousy and Community
We are not alone in our journey; we belong to a community of believers. Sometimes, jealousy can arise within community dynamics, but the Bible reminds us of the importance of unity and support among one another. As we engage in fellowship, we should be aware of how our words and actions can influence others. We must uplift and encourage one another, rather than allowing jealousy to disrupt our bonds. It is through love and support that we build a strong community, where God’s presence can flourish. Each of us plays a vital role in this community; let’s choose to be instruments of peace and harmony.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Ephesians 4:3
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Philippians 2:3-4
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” – Philippians 2:3-4
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Acts 2:44-47
“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” – Acts 2:44-47
Jealousy and Spiritual Growth
Our spiritual growth is closely linked to how we manage emotions such as jealousy. When we work through these challenges, we can emerge from the experience more mature and rooted in faith. The Bible encourages us to see trials as opportunities for growth, allowing God to refine our character. Embracing this perspective will help us move past jealousy and foster qualities such as patience, humility, and grace. Each step we take towards spiritual growth is a step towards a closer relationship with God, where we learn to trust His plan for our lives.
Romans 5:3-4
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
James 1:2-4
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” – James 1:2-4
2 Peter 1:5-7
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” – 2 Peter 1:5-7
Ephesians 4:15
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6
Encouraging One Another
As we navigate feelings of jealousy, let’s remember the power of encouragement. The Bible teaches us to uplift one another, fostering a spirit of unity and love. When we support and cheer for one another, we create an environment where jealousy can’t thrive. Encouragement helps to build our community, setting the stage for growth and joy. Rather than allowing jealousy to cause division, let’s commit to celebrating the successes and joys of our friends and family. In doing so, we not only strengthen our bonds but also reflect Christ’s love to the world around us.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Proverbs 12:25
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” – Proverbs 12:25
Romans 15:2
“Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” – Romans 15:2
Galatians 6:2
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Proverbs 16:24
“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
Trusting God’s Plan
Ultimately, we must understand that God has a plan for our lives, and this plan is unique to each of us. Jealousy often arises when we compare ourselves to others, but when we trust in God’s plan, we can rest in the knowledge that He is leading us in the right direction. The Bible reassures us of God’s faithfulness and goodness. Embracing this truth will help us to let go of jealousy, knowing that His timing is perfect and His ways are higher than ours. By choosing to trust, we foster patience and gratitude—two powerful antidotes to jealousy.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Isaiah 40:31
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Psalm 37:5
“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” – Psalm 37:5
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Final Thoughts
In exploring these Bible verses about jealousy, we gain valuable insights into how to navigate this challenging emotion. We can see that the scriptures guide us toward love, contentment, and trust in God’s plan. Jealousy may be a common feeling, but we don’t have to let it control us. Instead, by encouraging one another, celebrating our uniqueness, and trusting in the Lord, we can experience true joy and spiritual growth. Let’s remember that we are part of a larger community, and together, with God’s help, we can overcome jealousy and cultivate a spirit of love and understanding.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4