Topical Encyclopedia Envy, a destructive and insidious sin, is frequently addressed in the Bible as a vice that leads to discord and strife. It is the feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions. The Bible warns against envy, highlighting its potential to corrupt the heart and disrupt relationships. In the context of the Princes of Babylon, envy plays a significant role in the narrative of the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly in the Book of Daniel.The Princes of Babylon were high-ranking officials in the Babylonian Empire, a powerful and influential kingdom during the time of the Jewish exile. The account of Daniel, a Jewish exile who rose to prominence in the Babylonian court, provides a vivid illustration of envy among these princes. Daniel's exceptional qualities and the favor he found with King Darius provoked envy among the other officials. In Daniel 6:3-4 , it is written: "Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent." The envy of the princes led them to conspire against Daniel, seeking to undermine his position and favor with the king. Their jealousy drove them to manipulate the king into issuing a decree that would ultimately endanger Daniel's life. As recorded in Daniel 6:5-9 , they said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God." Consequently, they convinced King Darius to establish a law that prohibited prayer to any god or man except the king himself for thirty days, knowing that Daniel's faithfulness to God would lead him to violate this decree. The envy of the princes not only threatened Daniel's life but also revealed the destructive power of jealousy. Their actions were rooted in a desire to elevate themselves by bringing down a righteous man. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of envy and the lengths to which it can drive individuals when left unchecked. The Bible consistently warns against envy, as seen in Proverbs 14:30 : "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones." The account of the Princes of Babylon and their envy towards Daniel underscores the biblical teaching that envy leads to moral decay and spiritual ruin. It serves as a reminder to guard one's heart against such feelings and to seek contentment and peace through faith and trust in God. In the broader biblical context, envy is often contrasted with virtues such as love, humility, and contentment. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently admonishes believers to put away envy and to live in harmony with one another. In Galatians 5:26 , he writes, "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another." The account of Daniel and the Princes of Babylon exemplifies the destructive nature of envy and the importance of cultivating a heart that seeks the welfare of others above personal ambition. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 6:3,4Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library In the Lions' Den Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ... Cyrus. The Fiery Furnace Matt. Ii. 4, 5 The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom The Nations of the South-East A Spiritual Revival Meanwhile a Somewhat Embarrassing Interview had Taken Place ... The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources What does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that love does not envy (1 Corinthians 13:4)? | GotQuestions.org Envy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Envy: A Proof of Carnal-Mindedness Envy: Excited by Good Deeds of Others Envy: General Scriptures Concerning Envy: Inconsistent With the Gospel Envy: Jews, of Paul and Barnabas Envy: Joseph's Brethren, of Joseph Envy: Joshua, of Eldad and Medad Envy: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, of Moses Envy: Leads to Every Evil Work Envy: Miriam and Aaron, of Moses Envy: Produced by Foolish Disputation Envy: Prosperity of the Wicked should not Excite Envy: The Princes of Babylon, of Daniel Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |
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