What Does the Bible Say About Envy?

Envy is a natural human emotion, but it can quickly become a destructive force in our lives. It can lead us to focus on what we don’t have rather than on what we do have, and it can cause us to feel bitter and resentful toward those who have what we desire. As Christians, it is important to recognize the dangers of envy and to take steps to overcome it.

The Bible has much to say about envy, and it offers numerous examples of the consequences of envy in our lives. From Cain and Abel to Saul and David, we see the destructive power of envy played out in the lives of biblical characters. However, the Bible also offers us hope and strategies for overcoming envy, and it shows us how we can live a life of gratitude, contentment, and generosity.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about envy and how we can overcome it in our own lives. We will look at the consequences of envy, the biblical examples of envy, and the practical strategies we can use to overcome envy and live a life that honors God. May this post be an encouragement to those who struggle with envy and a reminder of the power of God’s grace in our lives.

Defining Envy in the Bible

Envy is defined as a feeling of discontentment or resentment towards someone who has something that we desire. In the Bible, envy is closely related to covetousness, which is a desire to possess something that belongs to someone else.

Three Definitions of Envy

Envy can be defined in three ways:

1. A feeling of displeasure or hostility towards someone who has something we want.
2. A sense of ill-will towards someone who has something we don’t have.
3. A desire to possess something that belongs to someone else.

Envy and Pride

Envy is often associated with pride. When we are envious, we are essentially saying that we deserve what someone else has and that we are entitled to it. This is a form of pride that is rooted in the sense of entitlement and a lack of gratitude for what we have.

Understanding the Consequences of Envy

Envy has numerous negative consequences, both for the person who is envious and for those around them.

Bitterness and Resentment

Envy can lead to bitterness and resentment, which can eat away at our joy and peace. For example, suppose we have a friend who is always getting promotions at work while we are stuck in the same position. If we allow ourselves to become envious of our friend’s success, we may start to resent them, even though they have done nothing wrong. This resentment can destroy our friendship and make us unhappy.

Destroyed Relationships

Envy can create tension and conflict in our relationships. We may become jealous of our friends or family members, and this jealousy can cause us to act in ways that damage our relationships. For example, suppose our sibling gets a new car that we have always wanted. If we allow ourselves to become envious of our siblings, we may start to treat them poorly, even though they have done nothing wrong. This can damage our relationship with them.

Focus on Lack

Envy can cause us to focus on what we don’t have rather than on what we do have. When we are envious, we tend to focus on what we lack rather than on the blessings that God has given us. This can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and a lack of contentment in our lives. For example, suppose we are envious of our neighbor’s large house. If we focus on our neighbor’s house and how we don’t have a house that is as big or as nice, we may become dissatisfied with our own home, even though it is a perfectly good place to live.

Unwise Decisions

Envy can lead to unwise decisions and actions. We may become reckless or impulsive in our pursuit of what we desire, and this can lead to negative consequences. For example, suppose we are envious of our coworker’s expensive car. If we become obsessed with getting a car like theirs, we may make unwise financial decisions that put us in debt or jeopardize our financial stability.

Overcoming Envy

While envy is a sin, it is not something that is impossible to overcome. Here are some biblical strategies for overcoming envy.

Cultivating Gratitude

One of the most effective ways to overcome envy is to cultivate a spirit of gratitude. When we focus on the blessings that God has given us, we are less likely to be envious of what others have. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we can focus on what we do have and be thankful for it. We can make a list of the things that we are grateful for and remind ourselves of these blessings when we are struggling with envy. This can help us to shift our perspective and focus on God’s goodness rather than on our own desires.

Seeking Contentment

Another strategy for overcoming envy is to seek contentment. Instead of constantly striving for more, we can learn to be content with what we have. Contentment is a choice that we can make, and it is one that requires us to trust in God’s provision for our lives. In Philippians 4:11-13, the apostle Paul writes, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” By seeking contentment in God’s provision, we can overcome the temptation to envy.

Trusting in God’s Plan

When we trust in God’s plan for our lives, we are less likely to be envious of what others have. Trusting in God’s plan requires us to surrender our own desires and to place our faith in Him. In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” When we trust in God’s plan for our lives, we can have confidence that He has our best interests at heart and that He will provide for us in His own time and in His own way.

Examples of Envy in the Bible

Envy is a recurring theme in the Bible, and there are numerous examples of envy throughout Scripture. Some examples include:

Cain and Abel

Cain was envious of Abel’s offering to God, and this envy led him to kill his brother. Cain’s envy was rooted in his own pride and his desire to be recognized and honored by God.

Joseph and His Brothers

Joseph’s brothers were envious of him because of their father’s favoritism towards him. This envy led them to sell Joseph into slavery. The brothers’ envy was rooted in their own sense of insecurity and inadequacy, as they felt that their father’s love and attention was being taken away from them.

Saul and David

King Saul was envious of David’s popularity and success, and this envy led him to try to kill David. Saul’s envy was rooted in his own fear and insecurity, as he saw David as a threat to his own power and authority.

Strategies for Overcoming Envy in Our Lives

As Christians, it is important to recognize when we are struggling with envy and to take steps to overcome it. Here are some practical strategies for overcoming envy.

Recognizing the Signs of Envy

Envy can be sneaky, and it is important to recognize when we are struggling with it. Signs of envy include feelings of jealousy, bitterness, and resentment towards others. If we recognize these signs in ourselves, we can take steps to overcome them.

Praying

Prayer is a powerful tool for overcoming envy. We can pray for a change in our hearts, for the ability to see things from God’s perspective, and for the strength to resist the temptation to envy.

Focusing on God’s Blessings

When we focus on the blessings that God has given us, we are less likely to be envious of what others have. We can make a list of things that we are grateful for and remind ourselves of these blessings when we are struggling with envy. By focusing on God’s goodness and the blessings He has given us, we can overcome the temptation to envy.

Celebrating Others

Instead of being envious of others, we can choose to celebrate their successes and blessings. We can congratulate them and pray for them, recognizing that their blessings do not diminish our own. In Romans 12:15, Paul writes, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” By celebrating others and showing them love and support, we can overcome envy and strengthen our relationships with others.

Practicing Generosity

Generosity is an antidote to envy. When we give to others, we are less likely to be envious of what they have. We can give of our time, talents, and resources, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” By practicing generosity, we can overcome envy and cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment.

Conclusion

Envy is a sin that can rob us of our joy and peace. However, as Christians, we have the power to overcome envy through the grace of God. By cultivating a spirit of gratitude, seeking contentment, and trusting in God’s plan for our lives, we can overcome envy and experience the blessings of a life lived in obedience to God’s word.

Let us pray for the strength to overcome envy and to live a life that honors God. May we be people who celebrate the successes of others, cultivate gratitude in our own hearts, and practice generosity toward those in need. As we do so, we will experience the freedom and joy that come from a life lived in the light of God’s love.