Envy is a significant characteristic of the wicked as depicted in the Bible. It is often associated with a deep-seated resentment and desire for what others possess, whether it be material wealth, status, or spiritual blessings. This trait is condemned throughout Scripture as it leads to various forms of sin and discord among individuals and communities.

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the destructive nature of envy. In the Old Testament, the account of Cain and Abel illustrates the deadly consequences of envy. Cain, envious of God's favor towards Abel, ultimately commits the first murder (Genesis 4:3-8). This narrative sets a precedent for understanding how envy can corrupt the heart and lead to grave sin.

Proverbs frequently addresses the issue of envy, warning against its corrosive effects. Proverbs 14:30 states, "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones." This vivid imagery underscores the internal decay that envy causes, affecting not only one's spiritual health but also one's physical well-being.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul identifies envy as a work of the flesh, contrasting it with the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:19-21 lists envy among other sins, warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This passage emphasizes the seriousness with which envy is regarded in the Christian life, as it is incompatible with the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

The Gospels also provide insight into the envious nature of the wicked. The chief priests and elders, envious of Jesus' influence and popularity, conspired to have Him arrested and crucified. Matthew 27:18 notes that Pilate recognized their motives, stating, "For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him." This example highlights how envy can lead to the rejection of truth and righteousness.

James, the brother of Jesus, offers practical advice for overcoming envy. In James 3:14-16 , he warns, "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 from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." James encourages believers to seek wisdom from above, which is pure and peace-loving, as a remedy for envy.

The character of the wicked, marked by envy, stands in stark contrast to the virtues encouraged in Scripture. Envy not only disrupts personal relationships but also hinders one's relationship with God. The Bible consistently calls believers to reject envy and instead cultivate contentment, gratitude, and love, reflecting the character of Christ.Nehemiah 2:10
When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Titus 3:3
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
Nave's Topical Index

4190. poneros -- toilsome, bad
... Word Usage bad (5), crimes (1), envious (1), envy* (1 ... 1), wicked (6), wicked man
(1), wicked things (1 ... kakos, which refers rather to essential character, as well ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4190.htm - 8k

Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm.
... Many besides the Psalmist have been envious at the ... when seeing the prosperity of
the wicked, and have ... the manifold happiness of the man whose character is here ...
/.../taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed prosperity meditations on the.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... were one in heart and work, is the character of the ... xxiv.1. "Be not thou envious
against evil men, neither ... with, in league and friendship with wicked men, when ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... It is the character of the superlatively wicked man: "Thou ... calumnious accusation;
the accuser of the brethren, a murderous, envious, malicious calumniator ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

The Present Recompense
... And again, "I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the ... rise to fame and power,
by base and wicked means? ... We speak of a heavenly character; we speak even of a ...
/.../all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxix the present recompense.htm

'Stout Words,' and their Confutation
... measures of earthly good, and not be 'envious of the ... the Lord which has the twofold
character of that ... discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/stout words and their confutation.htm

Attributes of Love.
... everybody's good things, while selfishness is too envious at the ... A wicked character,
and governmental relations and considerations, may forbid benevolence to ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xii attributes of love.htm

Social Joys of Heaven.
... has been wounded, perhaps crushed, by some wicked insinuation, or ... love which crowns
and perfects a character of this kind ... No one is ever envious or jealous of me ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xi social joys of.htm

John Chapter xi. 55-57; xii
... fame of a good character: for a good character is as a ... the good, and with death to
the wicked; how it ... Turn from thine envious feelings, and the good savor will ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate l john chapter xi.htm

Felicitous Phrases
... affluent, genial, and frank. aggressive, envious, and arrogant. ... chance, doubt, and
mutability. character, life, and aims. ... false, wicked, and disloyal. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section iii felicitous phrases.htm

Of virtue and the Tortures of Christians, and of the Right of a ...
... there be any so ungrateful, so envious, so powerful ... itself should be concealed under
the character of folly ... prepared everlasting fire for the wicked spirits; and ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xix of virtue and the.htm

What is virtue ethics? | GotQuestions.org

Does God change His mind? | GotQuestions.org

Is God perfect? | GotQuestions.org

Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus