How can we avoid envy of the "wicked, flourishing like a green tree"? Seeing Beneath the Green Leaves - Psalm 37:35-36 sets the scene: “I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, but he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found.” - The apparent strength of the wicked is only surface-deep and short-lived. Keeping that truth in view is the first step in shutting the door on envy. Remember Their End - Psalm 73:17-19 shows that the wicked “are suddenly destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.” - Proverbs 23:17-18 warns, “Do not let your heart envy sinners… surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” - Take frequent “eternity breaks.” Picture where each path leads. Envy shrivels when the finish line comes into focus. Rehearse God’s Promises to the Righteous - Psalm 37 is packed with contrasts: • v.3 “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.” • v.11 “The meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant peace.” • v.18 “The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will last forever.” - Read these aloud, write them on cards, keep them on your phone. Replace the mental slide-show of someone else’s success with God’s guaranteed inheritance. Practice Daily Contentment - 1 Timothy 6:6-8: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” - Make a short list every morning: three gifts you enjoy right now that money cannot buy (forgiveness, family, sunlight, Scripture…). Gratitude and envy cannot occupy the same heart space for long. Keep Company with the Faithful - Psalm 37:37: “Consider the blameless and observe the upright; a future awaits the man of peace.” - Spend time with believers who celebrate obedience more than affluence. Their perspective rubs off. Serve Others Generously - Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” - When you actively meet needs—write a note, share a meal, support missions—the joy of giving eclipses the glitter of what the wicked hoard. Guard Your Media and Meditation - Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” - Limit exposure to envy-fuel: social feeds, shows, or ads that parade luxury without the Lord. - Replace it with Philippians 4:8 thinking—whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable. Celebrate Every Evidence of Grace - Romans 12:15 tells us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” When the righteous prosper, cheer! It trains the heart to admire God’s handiwork rather than resent it. Wait Patiently for the Lord - Psalm 37:7: “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes.” - Waiting is not wasted time; it is worshipful trust. God will vindicate righteousness at the right hour. Putting It All Together 1. Look past the lush foliage to the coming fall of the wicked. 2. Keep God’s promises to the righteous on repeat. 3. Cultivate contentment and gratitude. 4. Walk with those who value holiness. 5. Serve, guard, celebrate, and wait. Do these things, and envy loses its grip, no matter how green the wicked tree appears today. |
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