Topical Bible: Envy: The Wicked are Full of

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Envy is a destructive emotion that is frequently addressed in the Bible, often associated with the wicked and unrighteous. It is characterized by a resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. The Bible warns against envy, highlighting its corrosive nature and its prevalence among those who do not follow God's ways.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 14:30 · "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones." This verse underscores the physical and spiritual decay that envy brings. It contrasts the peace and health of a content heart with the destructive nature of envy, which is likened to a disease that eats away at one's well-being.

2. Psalm 73:3 · "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." Here, the psalmist confesses to feeling envy towards the wicked who seem to prosper despite their unrighteousness. This sentiment is common among believers who struggle to understand why those who defy God often appear to thrive.

3. James 3:14-16 · "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." James warns that envy is not from God but is earthly and demonic, leading to chaos and evil.

4. Galatians 5:19-21 · "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." Envy is listed among the acts of the flesh, which are contrary to the Spirit and disqualify one from inheriting God's kingdom.

5. 1 Corinthians 3:3 · "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?" Paul admonishes the Corinthians for their envy and strife, indicating that such behavior is worldly and immature, unbecoming of those who are in Christ.

The Nature of Envy:

Envy is often linked with other sins such as jealousy, strife, and selfish ambition. It is a root cause of many conflicts and divisions, both in personal relationships and within the broader community. The Bible portrays envy as a characteristic of the wicked, who are driven by their desires and ambitions rather than by the Spirit of God.

The Consequences of Envy:

The consequences of envy are severe, leading to spiritual decay and separation from God. It fosters bitterness and resentment, disrupting peace and harmony. Envy can lead to further sinful actions, as individuals driven by envy may resort to deceit, theft, or even violence to obtain what they covet.

Overcoming Envy:

Scripture encourages believers to cultivate contentment and gratitude as antidotes to envy. By focusing on God's provision and blessings, believers can resist the temptation to compare themselves with others. The pursuit of righteousness and the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace, are essential in overcoming envy and living a life pleasing to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 1:29
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Colossians iii. 16, 17
... glory descend together after him." (Psalm 49:17.) And not to envy the wicked, "Be
not ... And thou wilt find there many more doctrines than these, full of true ...
/.../homily ix colossians iii 16.htm

All the Day Long
... think of thy table as though it were a hog's trough where the animal might gorge
to the full; but watch ... Ay, dear friends, if you envy the wicked it will do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/all the day long.htm

Treatise x. On Jealousy and Envy.
... all our powers to repel, with solicitous and full watchfulness, the ... of the righteous
Abel, in that the wicked persecutes the good with envy and jealousy. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise x on jealousy and.htm

It is the Part of the Wicked to Vex the Righteous.
... are fond of contention, brethren, and full of zeal ... righteous were indeed persecuted,
but only by the wicked. ... as had conceived an unrighteous envy against them. ...
/.../the first epistle of clement to the corinthians/chapter xlv it is the part.htm

It is the Part of the Wicked to Vex the Righteous.
... are fond of contention, brethren, and full of zeal ... righteous were indeed persecuted,
but only by the wicked. ... as had conceived an unrighteous envy against them. ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter xlv it is the part.htm

Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man
... His heart is desperately wicked; full of pride, vanity, hypocrisy, covetousness,
hatred of truth, and hostility ... "Evil speaking" proceeds from malice and envy. ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/evans the fall and.htm

That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ...
... On this account he left the wicked in the midst of ... Does he live in jealousy and envy? ...
of this consolation, and while exhibiting a conversation full of virtue ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii that evil comes.htm

Letter xxi (Circa AD 1128) to the Abbot of S. John at Chartres
... He, then, the most wicked one, opposed to charity by envy, and to ... Woe to him by whom
scandal cometh (S. Matthew 18:7). But I have full confidence in ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xxi circa a d 1128.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... Ver.8. His way and life is full of horrible and ... But when it is joined with envy and
malice, against ... but keep us from the dainties of the wicked Joabs, Judases ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

On Admonition and Repentance.
... If in envy thou rebukest, wicked is all thy reproof. ... And if thou lovest to be angry,
be angry with the wicked and it will become thee ... thy trouble is full of harm ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/on admonition and repentance.htm