Anger & Envy
The theme of anger and envy in the Bible: restraining anger, the roots of jealousy and the power of a gentle answer. Key chapters from Cain to the letter of James.
Anger and envy are subjects that test the human heart from the very first pages of the Bible. The chapters below treat restraining anger, where jealousy comes from and the power of a gentle answer from different angles. Each link takes you straight to the reading page.
Read the chapters
- Genesis 4
The story of humanity's first conflict between brothers, tracing how envy hardens into anger and anger into irreversible violence, and the exile that follows.
- Proverbs 15
A chapter on the power of speech, showing through short observations how a harsh reply fuels anger while a gentle answer eases tension.
- Ephesians 4
A chapter calling to life together — keeping unity amid difference, putting off old habits to put on a new self, and building one another up in love.
- James 3
A chapter using vivid images to show what great effects the small tongue can produce, contrasting the destructive power of speech with the gentleness of wisdom from above.
- James 4
A chapter that traces the root of quarrels and strife to the restless cravings within, calling for humility and simplicity in place of envy and pride.