Topical Bible: Envy: Excited by Good Deeds of Others

◄ Envy: Excited by Good Deeds of Others ►

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Envy is a complex emotion that arises when an individual desires what another possesses, whether it be material wealth, status, or spiritual gifts. In the context of the Bible, envy is often depicted as a destructive force that can lead to sin and discord within the community of believers. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers of envy, especially when it is excited by the good deeds of others.

Biblical Examples of Envy

1. Cain and Abel: One of the earliest examples of envy in the Bible is found in the account of Cain and Abel. Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, became envious of his brother Abel because God favored Abel's offering over his own. This envy led Cain to commit the first murder. Genesis 4:4-5 states, "And Abel brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell."

2. Joseph and His Brothers: Joseph's brothers were envious of him because of their father's favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams. This envy drove them to sell Joseph into slavery. Genesis 37:11 notes, "And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind."

3. Saul and David: King Saul's envy of David is another significant example. After David's victory over Goliath and his subsequent popularity, Saul became envious and sought to kill David. 1 Samuel 18:8-9 records, "And Saul was furious and resented this song. 'They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,' he said, 'but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?' And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David."

Teachings on Envy

The Bible warns against envy and encourages believers to cultivate contentment and love instead. Envy is often listed among other sins that are contrary to the Spirit of God.

1. Proverbs: The book of Proverbs offers wisdom on the destructive nature of envy. Proverbs 14:30 states, "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones."

2. Galatians: In the New Testament, Paul warns the Galatians about the works of the flesh, which include envy. Galatians 5:19-21 lists envy among other sins, stating, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

3. James: The apostle James speaks to the destructive nature of envy and its root in selfish ambition. James 3:16 warns, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice."

Encouragement to Overcome Envy

The Bible encourages believers to overcome envy by focusing on love, humility, and the well-being of others. Romans 12:15 advises, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." This call to empathy and shared joy is a remedy for envy, as it shifts the focus from self-centered desires to communal harmony and support.

Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 13:4 describes love as the antidote to envy: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." By cultivating a heart of love, believers can resist the temptation of envy and instead celebrate the good deeds and blessings of others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 4:4
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Hatred Without Cause
... worship before him, on account of the wondrous deeds he did ... that let a man be ever
so good, if he ... Many persons seem to have envy excited in them against those ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/hatred without cause.htm

That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ...
... Does he live in jealousy and envy? ... the loss of children so many and so good, and
in such ... in itself, consider what a tumult their simultaneous approach excited. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii that evil comes.htm

Of the Discipline and Advantage of Chastity.
... to the blood, the destruction of a good conscience, the ... his innocence, on account
of the envy excited by his ... a place high up, and fitted for deeds of wickedness ...
/.../of the discipline and advantage.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... root and mother, so to say"namely, envy; but this ... scatter his poison through the
medium even of good deeds. ... to an empty charge, is speedily excited to wrath ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

1 Thessalonians i. 10-Aug
... the case of such there is frequently envy, but the ... Unless somewhat of things future
had excited us, unless we had been persuaded that there is a good hope, we ...
/.../homily ii 1 thessalonians i.htm

Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews.
... Envy, no one envies himself, [2758]456; Hebrews obnoxious ... good things, [3199]456;
nought good which is ... Olympic games, interest excited by, [3296]437; herald's ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the epistle to.htm

The Resurrection of Lazarus
... with the rest of the company, seems to have lost that good frame which ... It was so
far from convincing them, that it only excited their envy, stirred up ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the resurrection of lazarus.htm

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... and so the violent rage which it excited was not ... by, that these same powerful motives
of envy and of ... His motive had been altogether good; he wished to save life ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mans passions and gods purpose.htm

The Peroration
... to distinguish and discuss separately the different passions excited on the ... You know,
good sirs, that ... accused may naturally excite the judge's envy, the infamy ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/the peroration.htm

The 'education Question' in Trinidad
... the little island was somewhat excited about changes ... be upholding the honour of the
good old Church ... of humility, not the consecration of envy"first appeared ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xiv the education question.htm