Topical Bible: Envy: Hurtful to the Envious

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Topical Encyclopedia

Envy is a destructive emotion that is frequently addressed in the Bible, highlighting its detrimental effects on the individual who harbors it. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how envy can lead to personal harm and spiritual decay.

Biblical Definition and Context

Envy is often understood as a feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or success. It is closely related to jealousy but is distinct in its focus on coveting what others have. The Bible consistently warns against envy, portraying it as a sin that can lead to further transgressions and spiritual downfall.

Scriptural Warnings and Illustrations

The Bible provides clear warnings about the dangers of envy. In Proverbs 14:30, it is written, "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones." This verse vividly illustrates how envy can consume an individual from within, leading to both physical and spiritual deterioration.

The account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:3-8 serves as an early example of the destructive power of envy. Cain's envy of Abel's favor with God led to the first murder, demonstrating how unchecked envy can escalate into violence and sin.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul lists envy among the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, warning that those who practice such things "will not inherit the kingdom of God." This underscores the severity with which envy is viewed in the Christian life.

Consequences of Envy

Envy not only harms relationships with others but also damages the envious person's relationship with God. James 3:14-16 states, "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 down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." Here, envy is linked to disorder and evil, highlighting its potential to disrupt both personal peace and communal harmony.

The account of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 37 further illustrates the destructive nature of envy. Joseph's brothers envied his favored status and dreams, leading them to sell him into slavery. This act of envy set off a chain of events that caused suffering for both Joseph and his brothers, though it ultimately fulfilled God's purposes.

Overcoming Envy

The Bible offers guidance on overcoming envy through the cultivation of love and contentment. 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 described here, is the antidote to envy, promoting selflessness and genuine care for others.

Furthermore, Philippians 4:11-13 encourages believers to find contentment in all circumstances through Christ, who strengthens them. By focusing on gratitude and reliance on God, individuals can combat the corrosive effects of envy.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not shy away from depicting the harm envy can cause, it also provides a path to healing and redemption through love, contentment, and faith in God. By adhering to these principles, believers can protect themselves from the spiritual and emotional damage that envy inflicts.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 5:2
For wrath kills the foolish man, and envy slays the silly one.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 14:30
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

4190. poneros -- toilsome, bad
... toilsome, bad NASB Word Usage bad (5), crimes (1), envious (1), envy* (1), evil ... From
a derivative of ponos; hurtful, ie Evil (properly, in effect or influence ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4190.htm - 8k

Library

Whether Anger is the Most Grievous Sin?
... because it hurts." Now anger is most hurtful, because it ... the evil of our neighbor,
such as envy and hatred ... another's evil as such, and the envious man desires ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether anger is the most.htm

Concerning Theurgy, which Promises a Delusive Purification of the ...
... found a god who listens to the envious man, and ... in which the violence of an impure
envy has more ... himself into all shapes," [405] equally hurtful, whether he ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 10 concerning theurgy which promises.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... a principal engine whereby covetous, ambitious, envious, ill-natured ... of the fruit
unto envy towards men ... false conceits and to produce hurtful effects concerning ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

The Peace of God
... sorrows, and falling into foolish and hurtful lusts, which ... we must have too, or we
shall be mortified, envious. ... of all vices"the vice of envy" and dignify ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxv the peace of.htm

On the Same Words of the Gospel, John xiv. 6, "I am the Way," Etc.
... him; and his trying is so much the more hurtful, in proportion ... be so mistaken, as
to say that an envious man hath ... "Charity envieth not." Why doth it not envy? ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xcii on the same.htm

1 Cor. xiii. 4
... excellencies; for example, on not being envious, nor grudging ... She envieth, indeed,
but overcometh envy;" nor, "is ... a love affair, or whatsoever hurtful thing any ...
/.../homily xxxiii 1 cor xiii.htm

Internal Foes.
... temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which ... Are You Jealous,
Envious? ... The poets imagined that Envy dwelt in a dark cave, being pale ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/part ii internal foes.htm

Concerning Widows.
... snares, and foolish lusts, which are hurtful to souls ... Now, as concerning envy, or
jealousy, or evil ... hear that some widows are jealous, envious calumniators, and ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i concerning widows.htm

The God of Peace
... the cockatrice and the serpent shall lose their hurtful powers; the ... Then envy is
another fearful evil ... One minister, perhaps, is envious of another, because one ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the god of peace.htm

Letter ii (AD 1126) to the Monk Adam
... when you showed toward him an obedience more hurtful for him than ... For if there is
envy there is death; surely, thou canst not both be envious and live. ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter ii a d 1126 to.htm