Topical Encyclopedia Envy, a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions, is a sin that is consistently condemned throughout the Scriptures. It is a destructive emotion that stands in stark contrast to the teachings of the Gospel, which calls for love, contentment, and selflessness.Biblical Definition and Instances The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings against envy. In the Old Testament, envy is first seen in the account of Cain and Abel, where Cain's envy of Abel's favor with God leads to the first murder (Genesis 4:3-8). The Proverbs also speak to the destructive nature of envy: "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones" (Proverbs 14:30). In the New Testament, envy is listed among the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, which states, "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" . Incompatibility with the Gospel The Gospel of Jesus Christ calls believers to a life of love, humility, and selflessness, which are fundamentally incompatible with envy. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, admonishes believers to "rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15), encouraging a spirit of empathy and community rather than competition and envy. Furthermore, the Gospel emphasizes contentment and trust in God's provision. In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul writes, "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" . This contentment is the antidote to envy, as it shifts the focus from what others have to what God has provided. The Call to Love and Unity The Gospel's call to love is perhaps the strongest argument against envy. In 1 Corinthians 13:4, Paul writes, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud" . Love, as defined by the Gospel, leaves no room for envy, as it seeks the good of others above oneself. Moreover, envy disrupts the unity of the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 3:3, Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for their envy and strife, saying, "For you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?" . The Gospel calls believers to unity and peace, which are undermined by envy. Practical Steps to Overcome Envy Believers are encouraged to actively combat envy through the power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control . By cultivating these virtues, Christians can overcome envy and live in a manner consistent with the Gospel. Additionally, believers are urged to focus on gratitude and thanksgiving. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul instructs, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" . A heart of gratitude shifts the focus from what one lacks to the abundance of God's blessings. In summary, envy is a sin that is fundamentally inconsistent with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a destructive force that undermines love, contentment, and unity within the body of Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and a focus on gratitude, believers are called to overcome envy and live in accordance with the teachings of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook James 3:14But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Homilies on the Gospel of John. On Love Love Worketh no Ill to his Neighbor; Therefore Love is the ... Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely ... Eighth Sunday after Trinity Living in the Spirit as God's Children ... On Zeal Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea. Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man. Lastly; they who Will Not, by the Arguments and Proofs Before ... Resources What does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that love does not envy (1 Corinthians 13:4)? | GotQuestions.org Envy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Envy: A Proof of Carnal-Mindedness Envy: Excited by Good Deeds of Others Envy: General Scriptures Concerning Envy: Inconsistent With the Gospel Envy: Jews, of Paul and Barnabas Envy: Joseph's Brethren, of Joseph Envy: Joshua, of Eldad and Medad Envy: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, of Moses Envy: Leads to Every Evil Work Envy: Miriam and Aaron, of Moses Envy: Produced by Foolish Disputation Envy: Prosperity of the Wicked should not Excite Envy: The Princes of Babylon, of Daniel Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |
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