James 3:16

"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice...." — James 3:16 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations.

“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

James 3:16 (NIV)

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Surrounding verses

Read James 3:16 with the verses next to it, then open James 3 in full.

James 3:15

Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

When people use this verse

People often open James 3:16 when they are looking for Scripture on envy.

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James · NIV

John

“The Word Became FleshIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

— John 1:1

What is this verse about?

James 3:16 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James. This verse comes from chapter 3, which can be read in full at the James chapter 3 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.

How people apply it

As you reflect on James 3:16, consider how God's truth applies to your current circumstances. Scripture is living and active — it speaks into every season of life. Let this verse shape your thoughts, decisions, and relationships as you walk in faith.

Related verses

Curated from this site's topic lists — not a keyword scan of the verse text.

1 Corinthians 13:4

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Galatians 5:21

and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:26

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Proverbs 3:31

Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways,

1 Peter 2:1

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

1 Timothy 6:4

he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions

Ecclesiastes 4:4

And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

James 3:14

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

A short prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth revealed in James 3:16. Open my heart to receive Your Word and transform my life. Help me apply this Scripture faithfully and share its hope with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.