Envy

Envy...it is the sinful desire to possess something that you do not have. It is most commonly associated with the desire to possess something that someone else already has. It is a self centered wish, want, or craving for something that God has decided that you are not ready for…or may, in fact, never be ready for.

Have you ever said to yourself, “that person is lucky, I wish that I could be like him or her.” Or thought…“Wow, did you hear about the house that XYZ bought?!”

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Proverbs 14:30

Envy might also cast evil into ones heart by producing jealousy. Just like envy, jealously can lead to anger and sinful actions. We must all be mindful of the random yearnings of our hearts. If God wills it – then it will be so. If God does not will it – then it will not be so. Amen.

I would dare to say that no one has walked the path of life without running into the sin of envy on more than one occasion. Envy probably could be considered a common human emotion. Unfortunately, some people take it to the extreme and become obsessed over achieving or obtaining this or that. Those that read scripture and fear the Lord tend to be more aware of this emotion, as it is mentioned in numerous passages in the bible.

We should all be thankful for the blessings that God has provided to us. We have food, clothing, a home and God willing, our health. Aren’t these truly the basic necessities for human survival? Last time that I checked, having a Jaguar or multiple fancy sports cars in the driveway doesn’t change man's basic necessities.

We all were born with nothing and will take nothing with us when we die.

My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad;

my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

Proverbs: 23:15-17


Final thoughts –

Let us give thanks to the Lord every single day for the things that we have. There is a reason that we do or do not have certain “possessions” or have achieved a certain "status." We may not always understand the reason(s), but that is okay. We must remove the sinful emotion of jealousy and envy from our hearts…as we will gain nothing by carrying this burden with us.

The opposing virtue against envy is Love.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

John 13:34 (Jesus at the Last Supper)

God bless you. And this is for His Glory!