Topical Encyclopedia Jealousy, as depicted in the Bible, is a complex emotion that often leads to destructive behavior and is considered a sin when it arises from selfishness or covetousness. It is a feeling of resentment against someone because of that person's rivalry, success, or advantages. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the dangers and consequences of jealousy.Old Testament Insights The Old Testament frequently addresses jealousy, often illustrating its destructive nature. One of the earliest examples is found in the account of Cain and Abel. Cain's jealousy of Abel's favorable offering to God led to the first murder (Genesis 4:3-8). This narrative highlights how jealousy can escalate into violence and sin. In the Ten Commandments, God explicitly warns against covetousness, which is closely related to jealousy: "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor" (Exodus 20:17). This commandment underscores the importance of contentment and the dangers of desiring what belongs to others. The account of Joseph and his brothers further illustrates the destructive power of jealousy. Joseph's brothers were envious of their father's favoritism towards him, which led them to sell Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:3-28). This act of jealousy set off a chain of events that would eventually lead to the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address jealousy, often contrasting it with the virtues of love and humility. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently warns against jealousy as a work of the flesh. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists jealousy among the acts of the sinful nature, stating, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God" . Paul also emphasizes the importance of love as an antidote to jealousy. In 1 Corinthians 13:4, he writes, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud" . This passage highlights that true love, as defined by God, is incompatible with jealousy. James, the brother of Jesus, provides further insight into the destructive nature of jealousy. In James 3:14-16, he warns, "But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice" . James identifies jealousy as a root cause of disorder and evil, emphasizing the need for godly wisdom and humility. God's Jealousy It is important to distinguish between sinful human jealousy and the righteous jealousy of God. God's jealousy is not rooted in insecurity or selfishness but in His desire for His people to remain faithful to Him. In Exodus 34:14, God declares, "For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" . This divine jealousy is a protective love that seeks the best for His people, desiring their exclusive devotion and worship. Practical Implications Believers are called to guard against jealousy by cultivating contentment and gratitude. The Bible encourages Christians to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15), fostering a spirit of empathy and community rather than competition and envy. By focusing on the blessings God has given and trusting in His provision, believers can overcome the temptation of jealousy and live in harmony with others. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 37:4And when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. Nave's Topical Index Greek 5355. phthonos -- envy ... strong feeling (desire) that , due to the influence of sin; (figuratively) the ... to the base of phtheiro; ill-will (as detraction), ie Jealousy (spite) -- envy. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5355.htm - 7k Library Treatise x. On Jealousy and Envy. Saul's Mean Jealousy Restraining Prayer: is it Sin? The Growth and Power of Sin Original Sin First, I am to Consider what the Keeping of the Heart Supposes and ... How God is Jealous of Us. The Covenant of an Everlasting Priesthood Pardoned Sin Punished "And for Sin Condemned Sin in the Flesh. " Resources What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgThe Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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