Spirit of Envy
In the biblical sense, particularly from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, the "spirit of envy" isn't a single, defined entity, but rather a powerful, destructive force or attitude that stems from the sinful human heart. It's a key component of the "flesh," or the unredeemed human nature that stands in opposition to the Holy Spirit.
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Here is an explanation of the spirit of envy based on the NIV translation:
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​1. What Envy Is: A Sinful Heart Condition
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The Bible defines envy as a resentful, discontented longing for what someone else has, whether it be possessions, success, status, or even personal qualities. It is a feeling of pain or bitterness at the sight of another person's good fortune.
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Proverbs 14:30 (NIV): "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." This verse vividly illustrates the destructive nature of envy, suggesting it's not just a passing emotion but a corrosive force that eats away at a person from the inside, affecting their physical and spiritual well-being.
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James 3:14-16 (NIV): "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." This passage is one of the most direct and powerful explanations of envy. It shows that envy is not of God; it is "earthly, unspiritual, demonic" and leads to "disorder and every evil practice."
2. Envy as a "Work of the Flesh"
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The Apostle Paul lists envy among the "works of the flesh," which are characteristics of a life lived apart from the Holy Spirit.
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Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV): "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." By grouping envy with other serious sins, the Bible emphasizes its gravity and its opposition to a life of faith.
3. Biblical Examples of Envy in Action
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The Bible provides several clear examples of how envy manifests and the devastating consequences it brings.
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Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3-8): The first act of murder in the Bible was a direct result of envy. Cain was envious of God's favor toward his brother Abel's offering, which led him to harbor anger and ultimately kill his brother.
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Joseph's Brothers (Genesis 37:11): Joseph's brothers were envious of the special favor their father showed him and of his prophetic dreams. Their envy led them to plot against him, throw him in a pit, and eventually sell him into slavery.
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The Jewish Leaders and Jesus (Mark 15:10): Pontius Pilate "knew it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him."
The NIV's use of "self-interest" here is a translation of the Greek word that also means "envy." The religious leaders were envious of Jesus' popularity and the authority he had with the people, which led them to have him crucified.​
Principles of Envy
The Bible also provides guidance on how to combat and overcome envy
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Love (1 Corinthians 13:4): "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." True, biblical love is presented as the direct opposite of envy. When you love someone, you rejoice in their blessings rather than resent them.
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Contentment and Trust in God (Philippians 4:11-13): Paul speaks of learning to be content in all circumstances, recognizing that all good things come from God. A contented heart is not swayed by what others have.
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Following the Spirit (Galatians 5:16): "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The solution to the "works of the flesh," including envy, is to live a life directed by the Holy Spirit. The "fruit of the Spirit" includes love, joy, peace, and kindness, which are all antithetical to envy.​
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​​​​1. Acknowledge and Repent from Envy​
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The first step is to recognize envy for what it is: a sin that comes from the heart and is hostile to God's will.
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James 3:14-16 (NIV): "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth... For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." This passage calls for honest self-examination and confession. You can't resolve a problem you refuse to acknowledge.
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1 Peter 2:1 (NIV): "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind." This is a direct command to actively "rid yourselves" of envy, like taking off a dirty garment.
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2. Cultivate Love​
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The biblical antidote to envy is love. The two cannot coexist.​
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1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV): "Love is patient, love is kind." This famous verse on love provides the perfect contrast to envy.
To resolve envy, you must actively pursue a love for others that rejoices in their success, rather than feeling sorrow over it.
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3. Seek Wisdom from Above, Not from the World​
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The wisdom that leads to envy is "earthly, unspiritual, demonic." The solution is to seek a different kind of wisdom.
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James 3:17-18 (NIV): "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness." This provides a new framework for living that is entirely incompatible with envy.
By seeking and practicing heavenly wisdom, you build a life that produces good fruit instead of the "disorder and every evil practice" that envy brings.
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4. Practice Contentment and Trust in God​
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Envy is rooted in dissatisfaction with one's own life and a lack of trust in God's provision. The Bible teaches that the solution is to find contentment in God alone.
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Hebrews 13:5 (NIV): "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" This verse directly links contentment to trusting in God's faithfulness and presence.
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Proverbs 23:17-18 (NIV): "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." This offers a powerful counter-message to envy: don't envy those who seem to be prospering by unrighteous means. Instead, focus on a life that honors God, because true and lasting hope is found in Him, not in worldly success.
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5. Walk by the Spirit​
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The ultimate resolution for envy is to live a life controlled by the Holy Spirit, not the sinful desires of the flesh.
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Galatians 5:16 (NIV): "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The "desires of the flesh" include envy (Galatians 5:21). The way to overcome them is not through sheer willpower, but by yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." This is the positive outcome of walking by the Spirit. The qualities listed here are the very opposite of envy and its destructive effects.
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In summary, the Bible's "resolutions" for envy are not a checklist of actions, but a call to a transformed life. The solution is to confess the sin, reject worldly wisdom, cultivate love and contentment, and live in the power of the Holy Spirit.