Ecclesiastes 4:4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor… There is no vice more vulgar and despicable, none which affords more painful evidence of the depravity of human nature, than envy. It is a vice which Christianity has done much to discourage and repress; but in unchristian communities its power is mighty and disastrous. I. THE FACTS FROM WHICH ENVY STRINGS. 1. Generally, the inequality of the human lot is the occasion of envious feelings, which would not arise were all men possessed of an equal and a satisfying portion of earthly good. 2. Particularly, the disposition, on the part of one who is not possessed of some good, some desirable quality or property, to grasp at what is possessed by another. II. THE FEELINGS AND DESIRES IN WHICH ENVY CONSISTS. We do not say that a man is envious who, seeing another strong or healthy, prosperous or powerful, wishes that he enjoyed the same advantages. Emulation is not envy. The envious man desires to take another's possessions from him - desires that the other may be impoverished in order that he may be enriched, or depressed in order that he may be exalted, or rendered miserable in order that he may be happy. III. THE MISCHIEF TO WHICH ENVY LEADS. 1. It may lead to unjust and malevolent action, in order that it may secure its gratification. 2. It produces unhappiness in the breast of him who cherishes it; it gnaws and corrodes the heart. 3. It is destructive of confidence and cordiality in society. IV. THE TRUE CORRECTIVE TO ENVY. 1. It should be considered that whatever men acquire and enjoy is attributable to the Divine favor and loving-kindness. 2. And that all men have blessings far beyond their deserts. 3. It becomes us to think less of what we do not or do possess, and more of what we do. 4. And to cultivate the spirit of Christ - the spirit of self-sacrifice and benevolence. - T. Parallel Verses KJV: Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. |
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