Envy wants what someone else has, whether it is status, possessions, lifestyle, relationships, or characteristics.
Jealousy is being fearful that something one has attained will be taken. Jealousy also involves a triangle – three people, one of which is the jealous person becoming fixated on a (usually misperceived) rival, who is viewed as competing for the attention of the third person.
Causes of Envy and Jealousy:
The person may see only what God hasn’t provided rather than what God has provided. Therefore, one of the “cures” for an envious heart is contentment and thanksgiving.
We also constantly compare ourselves to others – financially, physically, relationally, spiritually, etc.
Pride also drives envy because we often feel like we deserve more than what we have.
Expressions of Envy and Jealousy
When we feel envy, it leads to a host of other sins, like resentment, competition with others for attention, lack of contentment, depression, gossip, idolization of others, and general dissatisfaction with life.
WISE COUNSEL
The first time the Hebrew word “envy” or “jealous” (they translate the same Hebrew word) is used in the Scriptures is in Genesis 26:14, relative to the Philistines’ attitude toward Isaac and the prosperity of his flocks. The Hebrew word is used 34 times.
The Greek word for “envy” is used only 9 times, for the first time in Matthew 27:18 relative to the Pharisees’ motivation for betraying Jesus into the governor’s hands for execution. Paul will list “envy” as a sin in Romans 1:29; Gal. 5:21; 1 Tim. 6:4; Titus 3:3. Peter will tell Christians to “put off” envy in 1 Peter 2:1.
The first time the Greek word “jealous” is used is in Acts 7:9 as Stephen reminds his Jewish audience that Joseph’s brothers were motivated by jealousy when they sold him into slavery into Egypt. This word is used 11 times. About half the time, it is used with positive connotations with the meaning “earnestly desire” such as 1 Cor. 12:31.
The core to overcoming envy or jealousy is threefold:
1. understanding God’s love
2. being content with His provision
3. loving others as God loves you.
“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy; and all evil speaking…” (1 Peter 2:1).
Don’t compare your looks, possessions, jobs, or abilities with those of others but focus on being His child and serving Him with what you have.
Paul Holland
