Jealousy: Learning from Biblical Examples for Fighting Its Destructive Powers
Jealousy is a complex emotion that plagues us all at some point. It can arise from feelings of insecurity, possessiveness, or a sense of inadequacy. Regardless of the reason, it is crippling.
In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about jealousy, examine seven examples of jealousy within its pages, and discover comforting verses to turn to when jealousy arises in our hearts.
First let’s start with what the Bible says about jealousy.
Human jealousy, that is, where it brings harm – this is a post about how we can better deal with jealousy, after all. God’s jealousy comes from when we put other things before Him, and that’s a totally different post!
The Bible depicts jealousy as a destructive force that can lead to bitterness and conflict.
1. Jealousy leads to conflict.
Proverbs 27:4 warns, "Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?" Jealousy can fuel intense emotions that lead to irrational actions and harm.
2. Envy and jealousy intertwine.
Galatians 5:19-21 lists jealousy among other destructive qualities, connecting it with acts of the flesh that are contrary to God's will.
3. Jealousy causes strife.
In 1 Corinthians 3:3, the apostle Paul reprimands the Corinthian church for their jealousy and strife, expressing that it stems from their worldly mindset.
With that as a backdrop, let’s look at ten famous examples of jealousy in the Bible and what we can learn from them:
1. Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16).
The story of Cain and Abel is one of the earliest examples of jealousy in the Bible. Cain became jealous of his brother Abel because God favored Abel's offering but did not regard Cain's. Out of envy, Cain murdered his brother, leading to devastating consequences.
2. Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16:1-16, Genesis 21:1-21).
Sarah's jealousy of Hagar's ability to conceive and bear a child for her husband, Abraham, led to a tumultuous family situation. Sarah's decision to give Hagar to Abraham as a concubine ultimately resulted in Hagar bearing Ishmael, which created strife and jealousy in the family, eventually leading to Hagar and Ishmael's expulsion.
3. Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37).
Joseph's brothers were consumed by jealousy when their father Jacob favored him with a special coat of many colors. Their envy led them to plot against Joseph, selling him into slavery and causing great pain to their family.
4. The high priestly office (Numbers 16:1-35).
The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness was driven by jealousy and ambition. They sought the high priestly office and questioned Moses and Aaron's leadership. God's judgment against them serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of jealousy and rebellion.
5. David and Saul (1 Samuel 18:5-16).
After David's victory over Goliath, the people praised him, arousing jealousy in King Saul's heart. Saul's jealousy escalated, leading him to pursue David relentlessly, seeking to kill him out of fear of losing his throne.
This is obviously a longer story that goes deeper and led to many of the most comforting Psalms, so I’m just touching on one part of the David/Saul story.
6. Daniel and King Darius (Daniel 6:3-24).
Daniel's integrity and faithfulness gained him favor with King Darius, causing jealousy among his colleagues. They plotted against him and manipulated the king into issuing a decree that led to Daniel's temporary confinement in the lion's den.
7. The prodigal son's older brother (Luke 15:25-32).
In the parable of the prodigal son, the older brother demonstrated jealousy when his father celebrated the return of the wayward younger brother. His envy revealed his self-righteousness and lack of understanding of his father's love.
8. The early Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 3:1-4).
The apostle Paul addressed the issue of jealousy within the Corinthian church. Believers were divided and jealous of one another's spiritual gifts and leaders. Paul emphasized the importance of unity and warned against the destructive nature of jealousy within the body of believers.
9. The older brother in the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16).
In this parable, the older workers in the vineyard become jealous when the landowner pays the same wage to those who worked less. Jesus uses this story to emphasize God's grace and generosity, teaching that jealousy should not cloud our understanding of divine justice.
10. The Pharisees and high priests towards Jesus (Matthew 27:18).
The most powerful example involves Jesus Himself.
The religious leaders of Jesus' time were envious of His popularity and teachings. Their jealousy fueled their determination to have Him crucified, leading to His ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
So how do you fight feelings of jealousy? Go straight to the Word. These are my favorite verses when I’m facing overwhelming jealousy:
Proverbs 14:30.
"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."
Remember that envy and jealousy can eat away at our inner peace, but trusting in God's plan and love can bring healing.
Philippians 4:11-13.
“…for 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. “
Embrace contentment in Christ, for He provides the strength to overcome jealousy.
1 Corinthians 13:4.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."
Cultivate love and kindness in your heart, for they are antithetical to jealousy.
Psalm 37:1-3.
"Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass, they will soon wither, like green plants, they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture."
Trust in God's justice and focus on doing good, rather than being consumed by jealousy over the apparent success of others.
James 3:16.
"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."
Recognize the potential harm jealousy can cause and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to overcome it.
Jealousy is a universal human emotion that can be incredibly destructive. In the Bible, we find examples of how jealousy can lead to destruction.
When faced with jealousy, turning to the wisdom of the Bible and finding comfort in its verses can help us navigate this challenging emotion with faith, love, and contentment. By seeking God's guidance, we can transform jealousy into an opportunity for growth and self-awareness, ultimately deepening our relationship with Him and others.
If you’re looking to spend more time in the Word but don’t know where to start, reading through the Bible in a year is a great place to start!
If that sounds overwhelming - I understand. I thought so the first time I did it, but it was easy with a good plan and made me look at it in a totally different way. If you want to give it a shot, try my Bible in 365 Days plan!
It’s a simple and doable breakdown of what to read every day, with the benefit of not having to start on January 1 or lagging behind if you miss a day or two (it’s easy to jump right back in). Get it here!
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