The concept of the happiness of the wicked being marred by jealousy is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating the transient and ultimately unsatisfying nature of their joy. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into how the wicked, despite their apparent prosperity, are plagued by inner turmoil and dissatisfaction, often fueled by jealousy.

Biblical Context

The Bible frequently contrasts the fleeting happiness of the wicked with the enduring joy of the righteous. In Psalm 37:1-2 , the psalmist advises, "Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they will wither quickly like grass and fade like the green herb." This passage highlights the temporary nature of the wicked's success and the futility of envying their apparent happiness.

Jealousy as a Source of Turmoil

Jealousy is a destructive force that undermines the happiness of the wicked. Proverbs 14:30 states, "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones." This proverb underscores how envy, a form of jealousy, can erode one's well-being, leading to inner decay and dissatisfaction. The wicked, often driven by selfish ambition and comparison, find their joy marred by the constant desire for more, fueled by jealousy of others' successes.

Examples from Scripture

The account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 illustrates how jealousy can lead to destructive outcomes. Cain's jealousy of Abel's favor with God led to anger and ultimately murder, demonstrating how jealousy can corrupt and destroy any semblance of happiness.

In the New Testament, the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) provides another example. The elder brother's jealousy over the celebration of his younger brother's return reveals his own lack of joy and contentment, despite his outwardly righteous life. His inability to rejoice in his brother's repentance highlights how jealousy can blind one to true happiness.

The Futility of Wicked Prosperity

The book of Ecclesiastes offers a profound reflection on the futility of seeking happiness through wicked means. Ecclesiastes 4:4 observes, "I saw that all labor and success spring from a man's envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind." The Preacher acknowledges that much of human endeavor is driven by envy, which ultimately leads to emptiness and dissatisfaction.

Divine Justice and the End of Wickedness

The Bible assures believers that the apparent happiness of the wicked is temporary and will be judged by God. Psalm 73:3-19 provides a vivid depiction of this truth. The psalmist initially envies the prosperity of the wicked but ultimately realizes their end: "Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!"

Conclusion

The happiness of the wicked, marred by jealousy, serves as a cautionary tale within the biblical narrative. While they may appear to prosper for a time, their joy is often superficial and short-lived, undermined by jealousy and the inevitable consequences of their actions. The Scriptures encourage believers to seek true happiness in righteousness and contentment in God's provision, rather than envying the fleeting success of the wicked.Esther 5:13
Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.
Nave's Topical Index

Letter xvi. Charity.
... or interest to promote the welfare or happiness of others ... it, your Christian character
will be so marred as in ... not the law of God; while the wicked "rejoice to ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

The Origin of Evil
... foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all ... But a note of discord now
marred the celestial harmonies. ... time to manifest himself by his wicked works ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 29 the origin of.htm

The Origin of Evil.
... foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all ... But a note of discord now
marred the celestial harmonies. ... time to manifest himself by his wicked works ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /29 the origin of evil.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... connection which has been altogether ruinous to their happiness. ... in the Red Sea,
destroyed the seven wicked nations of ... Sin it is that has so marred and spoiled ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... duty; and as every duty is marred by so much ... of God, in the eternal punishment of
the wicked? ... interest, and enjoyment, to promote their welfare and happiness? ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

Conversion.
... and unless also they left that wicked world behind ... with fresh doubts about my future
happiness; especially with ... Pray that thou be not marred in the potter's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xi conversion.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... is the beginning of true life and happiness, and is ... They were"enemies in [their]
mind by wicked works" (Colossians ... made, till his visage was so marred by his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... saith, 'So will I make my fury toward thee to rest, and my jealousy shall depart ...
of the devil, from the raging of their lusts, and from the fury of the wicked. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... I have, as you may perceive, been of late under much exercise in my soul, about
the death of your father; not for that I doubt at all of his happiness, for I ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... and Who falls short of no excellence in all knowledge of that which is good, I know
not how they have been so perverted by malignity and jealousy of the Lord's ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

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Happiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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