Envy

Causes of envy

Envy is the result of human sin

Galatians 5:19–21 ESV

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

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Envy arises from the good fortune of others

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Love does not envy others

1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant

Envy arises from the spiritual abilities of others

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Examples of envy

Cain envies Abel

Genesis 4:3–5 ESV

In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.

Esau envies Jacob

Genesis 27:41 ESV

Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

Rachel envies Leah

Genesis 30:1 ESV

When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!”

The brothers envy Joseph

Genesis 37:4 ESV

But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.

Results of envy

Job 5:2 ESV

Surely vexation kills the fool, and jealousy slays the simple.

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In some cases, envy can be used by God

; ; Paul hopes that the Gentiles’ response to the gospel might make Israel want its blessings as well.

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Envy forbidden

Psalm 37:1 ESV

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!

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