Envy or Jealousy may be recognized by gossiping, backbiting, snide remarks, and efforts to build up yourself by degrading another.  It is one of the works of the flesh(Gal. 5:21) and is a product of the natural sin of self-consciousness(pride).

Envy is a sin. Sin when full blown produces destruction, tragedy,death(Gal. 5:19-21) ; James 1:14-15).  As such, the envious person may soon find himself with undesireable, destructive emotions. A judgemental attitude comes, and hate may follow.  Thus it turns into spiritual murder, character assassination, etc.  Those of whom one may be envious are not worthy of such regard, nor emulation(Prov. 3:31 ; 24:1).