What the Bible Says About Jealousy and Insecurity

Jealousy and insecurity appear to be natural to the female population especially since body image and self-esteem issues are on the rise. What do you do when you can't shake feelings of jealousy and insecurity about yourself? It's beautiful that you're seeking God's wisdom on this topic. Let's see what the Bible says about jealousy and insecurity.

Before we dive in, I want to invite you to take our free courses. We'll take a deep dive to address the roots of these issues so that you gain victory in Jesus.

What is Insecurity?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, insecurity is uncertainty or anxiety about oneself and lacking confidence. A second definition says it's the state of being open to danger or threatened.

When you're feeling insecure, you're unsure about yourself and experiencing feelings of self-doubt. Different things cause us to feel insecure like lack of career, physical attributes, or negative circumstances. Insecurity creates feelings of fear and causes you to feel threatened by those who have what you think you do not.

For example, you feel insecure if you notice your significant other looking at another woman, you may feel insecure when applying for a higher position at your job, and you might feel threatened by women who appear smarter and better-looking than you.

What does the Bible say About Insecurity?

In the Bible, insecurity has its roots in the spirit of fear. You're afraid that you're lacking something you need in your life.

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind, and self-control]." - 2 Timothy 1:7 AMP

The synonyms for insecurity are both timidity and fear. These emotions do not come from God's Holy Spirit, fear is a spirit that should be cast off. God's spirit gives us the boldness to be ourselves and the ability to love others. When you feel insecure and threatened by people, you cannot love them properly because insecurity can carry jealousy.

What is Jealousy?

Jealousy can be righteous or unrighteous. Righteous jealousy is when you experience feelings of possessiveness like when your significant other steps outside of the relationship or someone takes something that belongs to you. God's name is even called Jealous because He demands what is rightfully and uniquely His (Exodus 34:14) -- you and your devotion.

However, unrighteous jealousy is when you're angry that someone has something you want or if you think it's better than yours. If left unchecked, it turns into envy which is more sinister. Envy hates the person because of what they possess and wants to take it away from them.

What does the Bible say About Jealousy?

James 3:16 says, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." When insecurity leads to jealousy, it causes disorder in relationships and causes you to compete with people. This is unloving and unspiritual and of the flesh.

The Bible also says that this is why prayers aren't answered due to the motives being selfish. (James 4:1-10) If you ask for what other people have, the motive is only to fulfill your selfish desires for beauty, wealth, or whatever it is you think you're lacking.

How to Overcome Jealousy and Insecurity

When you struggle with insecurity and jealousy, it comes from a place of lack. I recommend starting with repentance and working on renewing your mind. Begin identifying what it is you think you're missing and why. Once you identify those things and why you believe they are missing, weigh them against the truth in God's word.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to take every thought captive and make it obey Christ. To do this, ask your thoughts questions like this:

Am I really lacking beauty and physical attributes or is it my social media diet feeding me lies? Because God's word says, "I am altogether beautiful and there is no flaw in me." - (Song of Solomon 4:7)

Is she better than me? Because God's word says, "We are created equal and Christ is our Superior." (Hebrews 1)

This is the daily practice of renewing our minds and becoming more like Jesus. Make a daily habit of doing this with every thought that does not align with God's word.

Conclusion

I know you believe you're lacking something but the Bible says you aren't. "Those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing." - Psalm 34:10. When we place our trust in man or the worldly status of our day, we will believe we lack a lot. There is always something new to keep up with, but those who trust in God will have peace and satisfaction.

Take a deeper dive into insecurity, fear, and jealousy by signing up for both of our courses. You will receive more strategies about how to take thoughts captive and homework to help you gain more clarity and self-awareness of these issues.