Jealousy: Sinful Envy vs. Holy Zeal. Jealousy is a word that confuses many believers. Scripture warns that jealousy is a sinful work of the flesh, yet the Bible repeatedly describes God Himself as “a jealous God.” The Apostle Paul even speaks of possessing a “godly jealousy.” At face value, this seems contradictory. How can jealousy be both sin and righteousness?