Topical Bible: Envy: Produced by Foolish Disputation

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Topical Encyclopedia

Envy, a destructive and corrosive emotion, is frequently addressed in the Bible as a vice that leads to discord and strife. It is often linked to foolish disputation, which can be understood as senseless arguments or debates that serve no constructive purpose. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings about the dangers of envy and its ability to disrupt harmony within communities and relationships.

Biblical Definition and Context

Envy is defined as a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions. In the biblical context, envy is often portrayed as a sin that stems from pride and selfish ambition. It is a condition of the heart that can lead to further sinful actions and attitudes.

Scriptural References

The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of envy in his letters, warning against the fruitless disputes that often give rise to it. In 1 Timothy 6:4, Paul describes a person who "is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and verbal disputes. From these come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions." Here, Paul highlights the connection between foolish disputation and the emergence of envy, suggesting that such arguments are not only unproductive but also spiritually harmful.

Similarly, in Titus 3:9, Paul advises, "But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the Law, because these are unprofitable and useless." The implication is that engaging in such disputes can lead to envy and other negative outcomes, diverting believers from their true purpose and mission.

Examples from Scripture

The account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 is an early example of envy leading to tragic consequences. Cain's envy of Abel's favor with God results in the first murder, illustrating how envy can escalate from internal discontent to external violence.

In the New Testament, the chief priests and elders are described as envious of Jesus, leading them to conspire against Him. Matthew 27:18 notes, "For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over." This envy, born out of fear and pride, ultimately contributes to the crucifixion of Christ.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Envy is condemned throughout Scripture as it contradicts the virtues of love, humility, and contentment. In Galatians 5:19-21, envy is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are in opposition to the fruit of the Spirit. Believers are called to reject envy and instead cultivate a spirit of love and unity.

James 3:14-16 warns, "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 you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." This passage underscores the spiritual danger of envy and its potential to lead to greater sin.

Practical Application

To combat envy, Christians are encouraged to focus on gratitude, contentment, and the well-being of others. Philippians 2:3-4 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." By fostering a community of mutual respect and love, believers can overcome the divisive nature of envy and foolish disputation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 6:4
He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul in Ephesus.
... to maintain principles, which appeared foolish to the ... had consisted in certain effects
produced upon the ... dishonest arts, his intemperance, his envy and malice ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm

Note to the Following Treatise 1. The Following Letter
... mind of heresy." But enough of this foolish and impudent ... otherwise He would have
yielded to envy; it is ... do good, and multiplies it when produced, and preserves ...
/.../note to the following treatise.htm

Letter Lxxv. (AD 404. )
... Am I so foolish and bold as to promise that ... a work which could not be altogether
despised would be produced. ... that Paul had been inflamed with envy on account ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxv a d 404.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... avoid their dangers; not raising creation, as foolish men do ... of the Evil one, in
his envy of virtuous ... kindly feeling towards us; the impression produced by this ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem.
... not listen to them when they are produced; he even ... display, and everything was quiet,
you were foolish to enter ... crowd, were not you so tortured by envy as to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/to pammachius against john of.htm

Extracts No. X.
... communications could give ground to suspect such foolish vanity; but ... Mr. Ballou thinks
his mistake has produced but little ... my own heart, I do not envy you for ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no x.htm

Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy, Till it Attained a ...
... The legates produced acts of the council drawn from the ... You are appointed to preserve,
not to envy, the honour ... which are babbled by the foolish canonists in ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 of the beginning.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... on every side. Upon that I awaked from my sleep.'. No laboured composition
could have produced such a dream as this. It flows in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... The Puritans produced a very powerful body of theological literature; the Evangelicals ...
There is implicit envy at my power (so called) and jealousy therefrom ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... Hath not God chosen the foolish,"the weak ... did you not answer those tests I produced
for the ... commanded to receive, but not to doubtful disputation; doubtful to ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm