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What Does the Bible Say About Envy and Comparison? – Topical Bible Study

Envying the Wicked’s Prosperity

Psalm 73:2-3 — “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”

Although Asaph knew God and believed in God, he still had some doubts and moments of confusion. In fact, the questions he had were so overwhelming and problematic for him that they nearly shipwrecked his faith. It is possible for even well-known and solid believers to have times of struggle in their faith.

Asaph observed that many wicked people were doing quite well. There was a part of him that envied what they had. Their house, their riches, their flocks, and their horses were attractive to him. Were Asaph’s feelings wrong? They were. The tenth commandment tells us, “Do not covet.”

Asaph was a person like we are. He had sinful and fleshly impulses. In this chapter, we see how he dealt with those. He did not let those impulses take over. He did not take action to fulfill those wrong desires. Rather he brought those to the Lord and sought to first solve those feelings and then subject them to God’s will.

Reflect — Did you ever have any similar feelings to Asaph? Were you envious of others’ success? Did you look at your neighbor’s car, family, vacation, or home and covet them?

Do not allow these feelings to take hold. Instead, bring them to the Lord and “take every thought captive” to Him.

When Asaph felt like this, he kept it to himself. He restrained himself from mentioning his doubts out loud. He was afraid that his weak faith would affect other believers and even mislead the next generation. There is a time and a place to express doubts. Asaph practiced self-control and he would go to the right place to deal with his feelings, namely to the Lord.

Psalm 73:17 — “Until I went into the sanctuary of God.”

This phrase marks the turning point of this Psalm. Asaph was confused, upset, and frustrated. Thinking of this on his own only brought more questions. He couldn’t understand what he was seeing. Then he went to the sanctuary of God. It is only after this point, when Asaph took his feelings to God, that he started to get answers and his attitude started to change.

Application — Go to the right source. The help we receive is only as good as the place we go to get it. When you have deep and perplexing questions about life and morals, don’t go to the world for answers. You will only get worldly wisdom. Go directly to God.

— From our study on “Psalm 73 Bible Study – Why Do Wicked Prosper?”

Look at the End

Asaph received understanding only when he changed perspective. He realized that the wicked might prosper in the short term, but in the long term, they will not. A picture snapshot of their life could look rosy, but if you fast forward to the end of the story you will see the truth.

To God, a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day. God exists outside of time. He will surely judge the wicked. He will surely deal with sin. But He will do it in His time.

Eventually, sooner or later, the wicked will receive justice for the wrongs they have done. They will not take their riches with them after death. One day they will face God as the judge and have to give an account for everything he has done. The security that their riches seem to provide is short-lived. While their lives seem to be smooth and easy, destruction comes upon them in a moment.

Romans 12:19 — “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”

Perhaps you have been or will be ill-treated by the wicked. You may wonder, “Why does nothing bad happen to them?” Trust in God’s plan and timing. Believe His Word that He will judge. Do not become embittered or angry. Patiently trust that God will fairly deal with each person.

Application — Asaph’s problem was a result of looking at the prosperity of these people and being envious. He wanted what they had. It was solved when he considered where their decisions would take them to judgment. Do not be envious of the people around you and what they have.

— From our study on “Psalm 73 Bible Study – Why Do Wicked Prosper?”

Pride Is the Root of Jealousy

Religious leaders should be servants of the people. They should be humble. They are there to help guide people to follow God and share the truth with them. Sadly, these leaders, like so many in history, were in it for themselves. They enjoyed the money, power, and prestige. Jealousy fueled their actions rather than a quest for truth. It is not the only time a leader has been jealous of a newcomer that God was using.

1 Samuel 18:7-9 — “And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.’ And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?’ And Saul eyed David from that day on.”

Saul’s jealousy drove him to attempt to kill David on multiple occasions. Religious leaders and public figures are not immune from jealousy today. YouTube influencers often seek more fans and subscribers. Some may compromise their own values to get them. Even pastors or Christian speakers could be jealous of others who are more gifted, praised, or followed.

Pride is the root of jealousy. We want attention. We want to be compared favorably to others. We want others to listen to, respect, and like us.

Talk to a ten-year-old boy who is on a soccer team and tell him, “Your teammate, David, is really fast.” His answer will likely be, “I am fast too” or “I am faster.” Jealousy can cause division in everything from youth sports teams to churches.

Application — Everyone serving God is on the same team. As long as others are doing what is right and sharing the truth, we should support them. If someone else can sing, preach, or teach better than we can, praise God that He is using this person and then continue doing what He has called you to do. Be careful of a desire for praise from people. One simple application is to pray every time before you do any public service for God that He will help you be humble and give you the right motivation.

Let our attitude be the same that John the Baptist had. His disciples were complaining about Jesus’ rising popularity. This is what he said.

John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

— From our Bible study on Acts 5:12-26

Comparing Leads to Coveting

Matthew 20:10-12 – Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’

The emphasis in the parable of the workers in the vineyard is on grumbling rather than thanksgiving. Why is it shown that the last group grumbled, but not mentioned that the first group rejoiced? I believe the reason is that we tend to complain more than we tend to give thanks, so this is a very realistic representation of what would happen.

Application — Be thankful for God’s mercy! The landowner promised to pay these people what was right, and He went way beyond that to give them far more than they deserved. He is not stingy. He is merciful and gracious. We should not be jealous when God treats others mercifully or extends great blessings to them. Instead we should truly rejoice with those who rejoice. Be happy when God deals so kindly with others.

John 21:21-22 — When Peter thought Jesus had promised that John would not die until the second coming, he asked about it. And Jesus said, “What is that to you?”

We should not stick our noses into others’ business. We should not compare ourselves with others in this way. Have you ever met people who always want to compare? Perhaps they compare jobs or salaries or houses or achievements or children’s achievements. I think the Lord would say to us, “What is that to you?” If He so chooses to bless someone else with a great job or a great house then what is that to you?

Comparing leads to coveting. Coveting leads to greed. Greed leads to discontentment. Discontentment leads to complaining.

The reply of the landowner shows he is the authority. He can pay more according to his heart’s desire, but note that he absolutely does not pay less than anyone deserves. From this passage we learn that God is sovereign and He will dispense His blessings how He sees fit. And He does so in a generous way, but not necessarily exactly equal. This is good for us, because in reality if He treats us all as we deserve, then we will all be punished for our sins.

— From our Bible study on Matthew 20:1-19

Those Who Compare Themselves Are Without Understanding

2 Corinthians 10:12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

Paul chooses not to engage in the unhealthy practice of comparing.

Reflect — Why do people compare themselves to others?

The key reason is that they desired to commend themselves. People compare themselves with others in order to show they are better, building themselves up. Generally, those who do this are quick to point out others’ flaws as if this will make them look better by comparison.

There are several key problems with comparing. Firstly, other people are not our standard. You can always find someone worse than you to compare with. You may then feel better about yourself. But God is our standard. We are to be holy as God is holy. It is not enough to be less unholy than Neighbor Joe. In the end, our goal should be to please God, not to ingratiate ourselves with others.

Reflect — What sins either cause comparing or spring out of comparing?

Jealousy, pride, boasting, selfishness, empty conceit, vain rivalry, and greed are just a few of the sins that comparing either stems from or leads to.

Hebrews 12:2 — “Fix our eyes on Jesus.”

Set your eyes on Him and diligently seek to please Him. His is the only opinion that really matters.

Application — Do you compare yourself with others, either out loud or in your mind? What is the root reason why you do this? Meditate on this question and be honest with yourself. If you do have a habit of comparing, confess it to the Lord. Go to that person and confess to him your spirit of rivalry or jealousy. Instead, begin to encourage others when they do well and rejoice with those who rejoice.

— From our Bible study on 2 Corinthians 10:7-18

Bitter Jealousy Goes Back to Cain and Abel

James 3:14 — “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.”

Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition both indicate a competitive and combative spirit. You want what others have. You desire to push yourself forward no matter who you step on on the way. You look out for your own interests ahead of others. In conversations, you will probably boast about your worldly successes and discuss how to make more money and get a higher status. Earthly wisdom focuses on earthly riches.

I knew a lady who was very business savvy. She was especially clever with real estate. Buying and selling homes was how she made money. And every time I met her, she would talk about this, giving tips on how to make money through real estate. Most of her conversation was focused on profiting through real estate. She was earthly wise.

The end of verse 14 is saying that if you have this kind of attitude but think you are wise, you are being arrogant and lying against the truth. In other words, if you answered yes to the question, “Who among you is wise?” but have this kind of jealousy or ambition, then you are a liar and are not wise in God’s eyes.

The wisdom which says, “Look out for number one,” is a selfish mentality that Satan has spread from the beginning. It can sound good or reasonable on the surface but is rotten to the core. It goes back to the time of Cain and Abel. Abel pleased God. His sacrifice pleased God. But Cain’s did not, and God was displeased. So, Cain was bitterly jealous of Abel and killed him.

— From our Bible study on James 3:13-4:10

We hope you enjoyed this Bible study on envy, jealousy, and comparison. May God use His Word to speak into your life and give you strength to follow it. Please take some time to reflect on the questions below and consider leaving a comment with your key takeaway or insight.

Suggested Reading: Learn the secret of contentment

Reflection Questions

• Are you envious of others’ success? Do you look at your neighbor’s car, family, vacation, or home and covet them?
• Do you compare yourself with others, either out loud or in your mind? What is the root reason why you do this?
• Why do people compare themselves to others?
• What sins either cause comparing or spring out of comparing?
• Have you ever met people who always want to compare?
• If someone else can sing, preach, or teach better than we can, how should we respond?
• Do you have a habit of comparing? If so, will you confess it to the Lord?
• Why does nothing bad happen to the wicked?
• If He so chooses to bless someone else with a great job or a great house then how should you respond?