Topical Bible: Envy: Leads to Every Evil Work

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Envy is a powerful and destructive emotion that is frequently addressed in the Bible. It is characterized by a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions. The Bible warns against envy, highlighting its potential to lead to a multitude of sins and destructive behaviors.

Biblical Definition and Context

Envy is often mentioned alongside other sinful behaviors and attitudes. In Galatians 5:19-21, the Apostle Paul lists envy among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the fruits of the Spirit. He warns that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:21). This underscores the seriousness with which envy is regarded in Scripture.

Envy in the Old Testament

The Old Testament provides several examples of envy leading to destructive outcomes. In Genesis 4:3-8, the account of Cain and Abel illustrates how envy can lead to violence and murder. Cain's envy of Abel's favor with God ultimately results in the first murder recorded in the Bible. Similarly, in Genesis 37, Joseph's brothers are envious of his favored status with their father, Jacob, which leads them to sell Joseph into slavery.

Proverbs 14:30 states, "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones." This proverb highlights the corrosive nature of envy, suggesting that it not only harms relationships but also affects one's physical and spiritual well-being.

Envy in the New Testament

The New Testament continues to address the dangers of envy. In James 3:14-16 , the apostle 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 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 a host of evil practices, emphasizing its destructive potential.

The Gospels also provide insight into the role of envy in the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus. In Matthew 27:18 , it is noted that Pilate recognized that it was "out of envy" that the chief priests and elders had handed Jesus over to him. This highlights how envy can lead to grave injustices and the persecution of the innocent.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, envy is seen as a violation of the Tenth Commandment, which instructs believers not to covet (Exodus 20:17). Envy is rooted in a lack of contentment and trust in God's provision. It reflects a desire for what God has given to others, rather than gratitude for one's own blessings.

The Bible encourages believers to cultivate contentment and gratitude as antidotes to envy. Philippians 4:11-13 speaks to the importance of learning to be content in all circumstances, relying on the strength that comes from Christ. Additionally, 1 Corinthians 13:4 reminds us that "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 the opposite of envy and is central to Christian living.

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, overcoming envy involves a conscious effort to focus on one's own blessings and to celebrate the successes of others. Romans 12:15 encourages believers to "rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." This attitude fosters community and diminishes the power of envy.

Furthermore, believers are called to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in overcoming envy and other sinful desires. Galatians 5:16 advises, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." By living in accordance with the Spirit, Christians can resist the temptation to envy and instead cultivate a life marked by peace, joy, and love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 3:16
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Way to the Kingdom
... that although true religion naturally leads to every ... arise anger, hatred, malice,
revenge, envy, jealousy, evil ... Holy Ghost: of unbelief, every evil word and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 7 the way to.htm

For Nothing Leads or Carries You Anywhere, Nothing Generates ...
... For nothing leads or carries you anywhere, nothing generates ... If you follow an earthly
will, every step you take ... in pride and self-exaltation, in envy and wrath ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-80 for nothing leads or.htm

The Origin of Evil.
... are brought home to the conscience, Satan leads men to ... Satan contested every claim
put forth by the Son of God ... The pent-up fires of envy and malice, hatred and ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /29 the origin of evil.htm

The Origin of Evil
... are brought home to the conscience, Satan leads men to ... Satan contested every claim
put forth by the Son of God ... The pent-up fires of envy and malice, hatred and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 29 the origin of.htm

A Caution against Bigotry
... cometh unawares upon poor souls, and "leads them captive ... of God, and preparing them
for every evil word and ... And by pride, envy, anger, hate, revenge, he causes ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 38 a caution against.htm

In Every Sinful Man and Woman that is Bound in Deadly Sin...
... In every sinful man and woman that is bound in deadly sin ... not so; but to cover pride,
ire or envy under the ... of the world and of their flesh, and leads them with ...
/.../chapter i in every sinful.htm

But we must Follow Our Preacher, who Can Only Turn Away with ...
... into praise (oh, how different to the "envy" of the old ... Every energy is still strained
in the race for ... This naturally leads to the conclusion that solitude, at ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter iv but we must.htm

Purposes of God.
... he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy).". ... According to this theory,
sin in every instance in ... But this leads me to attend to the principal ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlvi purposes of god.htm

"Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. "
... This is the right road that leads him to ... except strife, war, quarreling, anger, hatred,
envy, back-biting ... there the heart is pained at every evil which happens ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

Demonstration xxii. --Of Death and the Latter Times.
... There is neither hatred, nor wrath, nor envy, nor weariness ... Death leads away to himself
all the children of men ... that which is good; and flee from every evil thing ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxii of death and the.htm