Topical Bible: Envy: Hinders Growth in Grace

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Envy is a destructive emotion that finds its roots in dissatisfaction and covetousness, often leading to strife and discord among individuals and communities. In the biblical context, envy is frequently condemned as it stands in stark opposition to the virtues of love, contentment, and humility, which are essential for spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian faith.

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers of envy. In the Old Testament, the account of Cain and Abel illustrates the destructive power of envy. Cain's envy of Abel's favor with God led to the first murder (Genesis 4:3-8). This narrative underscores how envy can corrupt the heart and lead to grievous sin.

Proverbs 14:30 states, "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones." This proverb emphasizes the corrosive nature of envy, suggesting that it not only affects one's spiritual well-being but also has detrimental effects on physical health. Envy disrupts the peace and contentment that are vital for a healthy spiritual life.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses envy as a work of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21 , where he lists it among other sins that prevent individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God. Paul contrasts these works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, and peace—qualities that are essential for growth in grace.

James 3:14-16 warns believers about the dangers of harboring envy and selfish ambition: "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 from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This passage highlights that envy is contrary to the wisdom that comes from God and leads to disorder and evil.

The antidote to envy is found in cultivating a heart of gratitude and contentment. Philippians 4:11-13 provides insight into the Apostle Paul's perspective on contentment: "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Contentment, rooted in Christ, is a powerful defense against the corrosive nature of envy.

Furthermore, love is presented as the ultimate remedy for envy. 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 in this passage, is selfless and seeks the good of others, leaving no room for envy to take root.

In summary, envy is a significant hindrance to spiritual growth and maturity. It stands in opposition to the virtues of love, contentment, and humility, which are essential for a life of grace. The biblical teachings encourage believers to cultivate these virtues through the power of the Holy Spirit, thereby overcoming envy and fostering a community marked by peace and unity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:1,2
Why laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Two Covenants --In Christian Experience
... daily life was full of bitterness and envy and hatred ... We may be seeking for our growth
in a more ... the legal spirit of self-effort, which hinders that humble ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter v the two covenantsin.htm

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
... pride and uncharitableness, if divisions and strifes, if wrath and envy, if animosities ...
of the church that would come in, so it hinders the growth of those ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exhortation to peace and.htm

All the Day Long
... Religion produced at high pressure for a supreme occasion is not a healthy
growth. ... Envy helps in no way, but it hinders in many ways. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/all the day long.htm

Letter xi. --The Impressions of the Holy Spirit.
... and is less favourable to the growth of self ... of Jesus Christ, suspicions, rash judgments,
envy, jealousy, etc ... religious simplicity, and that it hinders a great ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter xi the impressions of the.htm

Drill and Enthusiasm
... arrangement for doing our work, and if it hinders that, it ... One would do nothing to
clip that growth, but still ... to be exhorted to beware of letting envy and self ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/drill and enthusiasm.htm

Satan's Devices
... as Satan shakes our joy he hinders our holiness ... as either of these prevail, our growth
in holiness ... of fretfulness or impatience; and, perhaps, of envy at those ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 42 satans devices.htm

More and More
... for the assemblies of God's house, and envy the swallows ... Spirit's strength DRIVE
AWAY THAT WHICH HINDERS US FROM ... grow in grace, for life is proven by growth. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/more and more.htm

Index.
... Envy, a holy, xxxix.19 ... of others, xiii.14; original, xxx.20; the Saint, by her prayers,
hinders a great ... xi.10, xiv.13; in the prayer of quiet, xv.1; growth of, xv ...
//christianbookshelf.org/teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/index 2.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Doctrines, growth of, harder than of natural seed, [813]62; general ... Esau ruined by
envy, [847]130 ... the Son, [930]272; His Greatness as the cause, hinders not the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... in life, [170]283; is a regeneration, [171]284; a life-giving grace, [172]307 ... Cain,
a slave to envy, [216]110; destroyed by it, [217]395; sinned, not realizing ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm