Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of peace over envy? Peace and envy contrasted in Proverbs 14:30 “A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30) The verse sets two paths in sharp relief: inner calm brings health; jealousy eats away at life itself. Scripture repeats this theme throughout both Testaments. Further wisdom sayings that warn against envy • Proverbs 3:31-32 — “Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways; for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright.” • Proverbs 23:17 — “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.” • Proverbs 24:1 — “Do not envy the wicked or desire their company.” • Psalm 37:7-8 — “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways… Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret— it can only bring harm.” • Psalm 73:2-3 — “My feet had almost stumbled… for I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” Jesus’ call to peaceful hearts • Matthew 5:9 — “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” • Mark 9:50 — “Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.” Apostolic teaching that links peace and the rejection of envy • Romans 12:18 — “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” • Romans 13:13 — “Let us behave decently… not in dissension and jealousy.” • 1 Corinthians 13:4 — “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it is not boastful, it is not arrogant.” • Galatians 5:22-26 — “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… Let us not become conceited, provoking one another and envying one another.” • Hebrews 12:14-15 — “Pursue peace with everyone… See to it that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.” • James 3:16-17 — “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle… sincere.” • 1 Peter 2:1 — “Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.” Living out peace instead of envy • Cultivate gratitude: counting blessings silences jealousy. • Guard the thought-life: envy starts in the mind before it sickens the heart. • Walk in the Spirit: peace is His fruit, not self-manufactured. • Celebrate others’ successes: love “does not envy” but rejoices in the good of another. • Rest in God’s timing and provision: trust uproots the fear that feeds envy. The consistent biblical witness is clear: peace is a life-giving gift from God, while envy corrodes body, soul, and community. |
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