Topical Bible: Envy: None Can Stand Before

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Envy is a powerful and destructive emotion that is frequently addressed in the Bible. It is characterized by a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions. The Bible warns against envy, highlighting its potential to lead to further sin and discord among individuals and communities.

Biblical Definition and Context

Envy is often mentioned alongside other sins and negative emotions, such as jealousy, strife, and covetousness. It is considered a work of the flesh, as described in Galatians 5:19-21: "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" .

Consequences of Envy

The destructive nature of envy is evident in its ability to cause division and conflict. Proverbs 27:4 states, "Wrath is cruel and anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?" . This verse underscores the formidable power of envy, suggesting that it can be even more challenging to withstand than anger or wrath.

Envy can lead to a host of other sins, as seen in the account of Cain and Abel. Cain's envy of Abel's favor with God led to the first murder (Genesis 4:3-8). Similarly, the envy of Joseph's brothers resulted in their betrayal and sale of Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:11, 28).

Envy in the New Testament

The New Testament continues to address the issue of envy, urging believers to rid themselves of this destructive emotion. In Romans 13:13, Paul exhorts, "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy" . This call to live a life free from envy is echoed in 1 Peter 2:1: "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander" .

Overcoming Envy

The Bible provides guidance on overcoming envy by fostering a spirit of contentment and love. Philippians 4:11-13 emphasizes the importance of contentment: "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" .

Furthermore, love is presented as the antidote to 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" . By cultivating love and focusing on the well-being of others, believers can overcome the temptation to envy.

Conclusion

Envy is a significant concern in the biblical narrative, with numerous warnings about its potential to lead to sin and destruction. The Bible encourages believers to seek contentment and love, thereby overcoming the destructive power of envy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Miseries and Ills to which the Human Race is Justly Exposed ...
... the First Sin, and from Which None Can Be Delivered ... theft, robbery, perfidy, pride,
ambition, envy, murders, parricides ... the senses, that we can not distinguish ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 22 of the miseries and.htm

"The Axe is Laid to the Root. "
... You can, by envy, soon become a destroyer. You say you are not an Adulterer, but
are you lascivious? ... NONE CAN STAND BEFORE THE WRATH OF THE LAMB? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxxi the axe is laid.htm

The Important Question
... he wanders up and down, seeking rest, but finding none. ... While every fair object my
eye can survey. ... One unholy temper, whether pride, envy, jealousy, or revenge ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 84 the important question.htm

Of Uncharitable Truth.
... make a distinct account for their Pride and envy; yet as ... worst, since tis certain
all are bad, none of them ... I think there is no considering man can be ignorant ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vi of uncharitable truth.htm

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit as Revealed in his Names.
... have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His ... of worldliness and selfishness and
contention and envy and pride ... a joy fills my heart that I can scarce restrain ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter v the person and.htm

Love, the Motive Power for Service.
... not to be puffed up, not to harbor feelings of envy, but to ... within himself: "My elder
brother has a family, and I have none. ... Then nothing can stand before them ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter ii love the motive.htm

John iii. 35, 36
... to take away [779] their malice, and to soften their envy. ... straightway hearken and
attend to Him; which none can say of ... For it can never be that a man who has ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxi john iii 35.htm

"Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from ...
... they see it is the only way; none can wash in ... change in his spirit within, for he
can talk of ... themselves in, as pride, covetousness, malice, envy, ambition, &c ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi wash you make.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... will discover him; but if still no information can be procured ... to be partaken of
by those that have none of their ... them; for it is unjust, out of envy, to hinder ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm

One Thing is Needful;
... I envy now the happiness Of those that are in light ... Now keep this law no mortal creature
can, For they ... rest, So peace unto the wicked there is none; 'Tis wrath ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm