Top Envy Quotes By Stoics, Christians, and Contemporary Wise Philosophers
Let’s enter the world of Envy. One of the 7 deadly sins with kindness as its counterpart.
Quotes are powerful as they give us a glimpse of wisdom that has withstood the sands of time.
In order for these powerful quotes to help you become more aware of the power and destruction of Envy, you should get inspired by them, write down your favorite Envy Quotes, and look at them daily. Write down how every quote inspires you to change and become your ultimate self.
“Every man longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.” – John Eldredge
Embark on your adventure. Achieve greatness by overcoming the obstacles that hold men from achieving their greatest potential. The 7 Deadly Sins.
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Contemporary Envy Quotes
Never underestimate the power of jealousy and the power of envy to destroy. Never underestimate that.
– Oliver Stone
Our envy of others devours us most of all.
– Alexander Solzhenitsyn
If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher.
– Debbie Macomber
The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves.
– William Penn
Surrounded by the flames of jealousy, the jealous one winds up, like the scorpion, turning the poisoned sting against himself.
– Friedrich Nietzsche
Envy shoots at others and wounds itself.
– English Proverb
Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate.
– William Arthur Ward
Whenever two people meet, there are really six people present. There is each man as he sees himself, each man as the other person sees him, and each man as he really is.
– William James
The wicked envy and hate; it is their way of admiring.
– Victor Hugo
Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.
– Buddha
Envy is the art of counting the other fellow’s blessings instead of your own.
– Harold Coffin
God’s truth judges created things out of love, and Satan’s truth judges them out of envy and hatred.
– Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Of the seven deadly sins, only envy is no fun at all.
– Joseph Epstein
Love looks through a telescope; envy, through a microscope.
– Josh Billings
Men are so constituted that every one undertakes what he sees another successful in, whether he has aptitude for it or not.
– Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Isn’t it kind of silly to think that tearing someone else down builds you up?
– Sean Covey
Throughout life, from childhood, from school until we die, we are taught to compare ourselves with another; yet when I compare myself with another I am destroying myself.
– Jiddu Krishnamurti
For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
– James 3:16.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
– 1 Corinthians 13:4.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
– Matthew 6:33.
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.
– 1. Proverbs 23:17
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
– Proverbs 14:30
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
– James 3:16
Stoic Quotes about Envy
Don’t set your mind on things you don’t possess…but count the blessings you actually possess and think how much you would desire them if they weren’t already yours.
– Marcus Aurelius
The secret of success is that it is not the absence of failure, but the absence of envy.
– Herodotus
It is in the character of very few men to honor without envy a friend who has prospered.
– Aeschylus
No one can have all he wants, but a man can refrain from wanting what he has not, and cheerfully make the best of a bird in the hand.
– Seneca
Top Envy Quotes Video
FAQ: Envy, Comparison, and Cultivating Contentment
What do these quotes reveal about envy?
They highlight how envy can erode peace, distort perspective, and lead to discontent—even when there is much to appreciate.
Who are some of the thinkers included?
You’ll find reflections from Oliver Stone, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Debbie Macomber, William Penn, Nietzsche, Buddha, William Arthur Ward, Victor Hugo, Goethe, Sean Covey, and others, plus biblical verses and Stoic teachings offering timeless insight.
What do the biblical passages teach about envy?
They warn that envy brings disorder and inner corrosion, while love, contentment, and seeking righteousness can lead to peace and honorable character.
How do Stoic insights address envy?
Stoic wisdom shifts focus from what we lack to what we already have—encouraging gratitude, self-restraint, and acceptance rather than coveting what others possess.
How can these quotes guide daily life?
Choose one that resonates, reflect on it when you feel the edge of envy, and remind yourself to value your own journey rather than comparing to others.
Why are these quotes still relevant today?
Comparison culture remains pervasive. These quotes offer reminders to turn inward, find fulfillment, and embrace contentment with intention.
| Source Type | Quote | Author / Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Contemporary | Never underestimate the power of jealousy and the power of envy to destroy. Never underestimate that. | Oliver Stone |
| Contemporary | Our envy of others devours us most of all. | Alexander Solzhenitsyn |
| Contemporary | If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher. | Debbie Macomber |
| Contemporary | The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves. | William Penn |
| Contemporary | Surrounded by the flames of jealousy, the jealous one winds up, like the scorpion, turning the poisoned sting against himself. | Friedrich Nietzsche |
| Proverb | Envy shoots at others and wounds itself. | English Proverb |
| Contemporary | Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate. | William Arthur Ward |
| Contemporary | The wicked envy and hate; it is their way of admiring. | Victor Hugo |
| Ancient Philosophy | Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind. | Buddha |
| Contemporary | Envy is the art of counting the other fellow’s blessings instead of your own. | Harold Coffin |
| Contemporary | Love looks through a telescope; envy, through a microscope. | Josh Billings |
| Contemporary | Isn’t it kind of silly to think that tearing someone else down builds you up? | Sean Covey |
| Contemporary | Throughout life, from childhood, from school until we die, we are taught to compare ourselves with another; yet when I compare myself with another I am destroying myself. | Jiddu Krishnamurti |
| Bible | For where envy and self‑seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. | James 3:16 |
| Bible | Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. | 1 Corinthians 13:4 |
| Bible | But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. | Matthew 6:33 |
| Bible | Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. | Proverbs 23:17 |
| Bible | A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. | Proverbs 14:30 |
| Bible | For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. | James 3:16 |
| Stoic | Don’t set your mind on things you don’t possess but count the blessings you actually possess and think how much you would desire them if they weren’t already yours. | Marcus Aurelius |
| Ancient Historian | The secret of success is that it is not the absence of failure, but the absence of envy. | Herodotus |
| Ancient Greek | It is in the character of very few men to honor without envy a friend who has prospered. | Aeschylus |
| Roman Philosopher | No one can have all he wants, but a man can refrain from wanting what he has not and cheerfully make the best of a bird in the hand. | Seneca |
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