Topical Bible: Jealousy: An Envious Spirit

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Definition and Nature:
Jealousy, often synonymous with envy, is a complex emotion that arises when an individual perceives a threat to something they value, such as a relationship, status, or possession. In the biblical context, jealousy can manifest as a sinful desire for what others have, leading to discord and strife. It is important to distinguish between human jealousy, which is often rooted in sin, and the righteous jealousy of God, which reflects His zeal for His people and His holiness.

Biblical References:

1. Human Jealousy:
· Genesis 37:11: "And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind." This verse highlights the jealousy Joseph's brothers felt towards him due to their father's favoritism, which eventually led to their betrayal of Joseph.
· Proverbs 14:30: "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Here, envy is depicted as a destructive force that can consume an individual from within.
· James 3:16: "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This passage warns of the chaos and moral decay that jealousy can bring into a community.

2. God's Jealousy:
· Exodus 34:14: "For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." God's jealousy is portrayed as a protective and righteous zeal for His covenant relationship with His people, demanding exclusive devotion.
· Deuteronomy 4:24: "For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." This emphasizes God's intolerance for idolatry and His desire for His people to remain faithful to Him.

Consequences of Jealousy:
Jealousy can lead to a range of negative outcomes, both personally and communally. In the account of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3-8), Cain's jealousy of Abel's favor with God resulted in the first murder. Similarly, King Saul's jealousy of David's success and popularity led to a destructive obsession (1 Samuel 18:6-9).

Moral and Spiritual Implications:
Jealousy is often condemned in Scripture as it contradicts the virtues of love, contentment, and trust in God's provision. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, describes love as not being envious (1 Corinthians 13:4). Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment, recognizing that envy can hinder spiritual growth and fellowship with others.

Overcoming Jealousy:
The Bible provides guidance for overcoming jealousy through the transformation of the heart and mind. Believers are called to renew their minds (Romans 12:2) and to set their hearts on things above (Colossians 3:2). By focusing on God's goodness and faithfulness, individuals can find freedom from the bondage of jealousy and live in harmony with others.

Practical Applications:
· Self-Examination: Regularly assess one's heart for signs of jealousy and confess it to God.
· Prayer and Scripture: Seek God's help through prayer and immerse oneself in Scripture to combat envious thoughts.
· Cultivating Gratitude: Practice gratitude by acknowledging and appreciating God's blessings in one's life.
· Encouraging Others: Celebrate the successes and blessings of others, fostering a spirit of love and unity within the community.

Nave's Topical Index

Romans 10:19
But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses said, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
Nave's Topical Index

Romans 11:11
I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come to the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Treatise x. On Jealousy and Envy.
... of a greater success, in that proportion the envious man burns with the fires of
jealousy to an ... And accordingly the Holy Spirit says in the Psalms: "Be ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise x on jealousy and.htm

The Testament of Gad Concerning Hatred.
... and when I had gone out, the spirit of hatred ... and if he be further exalted, be not
envious, remembering that ... all men, because he hath not evil jealousy of men. ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/ix the testament of gad concerning.htm

The Ending of the Book Brings an Exhortation to Avoid Ill-Will...
... at his own good fortune, but the envious is tortured at ... God, not mean earthy zeal,
for that causes jealousy. ... and might, together with the Holy Spirit, for ever ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxx the ending of.htm

The Controversy Continues Without Abatement, Even after the ...
... provinces. These things jealousy and some evil spirit who looked with an envious
eye on the prosperity of the Church, wrought. Footnotes: ...
/.../the life of constantine/chapter lxxiii the controversy continues without.htm

Internal Foes.
... Determine to overcome that spirit of selfishness, and to keep your body under, no ...
Are You Jealous, Envious? ... That is the way to cure jealousy; it will kill it. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/part ii internal foes.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... at the throne of God; and the envious person can ... This is the spirit of genuine
benevolence; and the exercise ... cut off all ground of envy and jealousy; it would ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

January the Twenty-Sixth the Fire of Envy
... envy is like that potion when it is drunk by the spirit. ... The envious is more fatally
stricken than the blind ... It is like jealousy, of which it is a blood-relation ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/january the twenty-sixth the fire.htm

Galatians Chapter iii.
... visible objects enters the soul, and as jealousy is for ... teachers of these doctrines
did so from envious motives ... I learn from you, Received ye the Spirit by the ...
/.../galatians chapter iii.htm

On the Perfection of Patience.
... saints in the congregation repulse that most foul spirit. ... before him of whom he was
envious, and destroyed ... unto him" [2100] until their jealousy, which would ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xvi on the perfection.htm

Introduction
... idolatries, witchcrafts, hatreds, contentions, jealousy, anger, divisions ... have not
the Holy Spirit, neither can ... follow custom, is either envious and malignant ...
/.../cyprian/the seventh council of carthage under cyprian/introduction.htm