ENVY: A Desire For More
For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one. - Job 5:2
Envy was mentioned in the Bible as one of the source of unrighteousness as Romans 1:28-32 says.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Envy was mentioned in the Bible as one of the source of unrighteousness as Romans 1:28-32 says.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
In dictionary term envy means "painful or resentful awarenessof an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage" - Merriam Webster Dictionary.
Pam Wilson Vandenaker from her topic "STRIPE WITH ENVY" taught us something about it's root and here's the part of her message -
The Root of Envy
The practice of comparing ourselves to others is usually at the root of envy. It causes us to feel that we aren’t good enough and that in order to be acceptable we have to achieve more, acquire more, or in other ways appear to be “better” than others. It occurs when we do not value ourselves sufficiently as children of God and consequently feel we have to prove our worth by “doing” or “having.”Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? Proverbs 27:4
There's no reason for us to compare whatever they had achieved to what you have. One neighbor could have a brand new car and you try to compete we such feeling that think you are better than them. This level of jealousnesses will lead you to a different level of unrighteousness such as hatred and pride. It must stop and you should not let this kind of attitude or feeling be pass over to your next generation.
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of Spirit. Ecclesiastes 4:4
So, it's clear. Jealous and envy lead you to different level of sins, which could cause your soul to hate someone rather to love and contentment. It's sometime called the "Green-Eyed Monster" the kind of attitude is toxic and could destroy someone's reputation.
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| Invidia the goddess of Envy. In Latin, invidia might be the equivalent of two Greek personifications, Nemesis and Phthonus. |
Pam Wilson Vandenaker from her topic "STRIPE WITH ENVY" taught us something about it's root and here's the part of her message -
The Root of Envy
The practice of comparing ourselves to others is usually at the root of envy. It causes us to feel that we aren’t good enough and that in order to be acceptable we have to achieve more, acquire more, or in other ways appear to be “better” than others. It occurs when we do not value ourselves sufficiently as children of God and consequently feel we have to prove our worth by “doing” or “having.”Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? Proverbs 27:4
There's no reason for us to compare whatever they had achieved to what you have. One neighbor could have a brand new car and you try to compete we such feeling that think you are better than them. This level of jealousnesses will lead you to a different level of unrighteousness such as hatred and pride. It must stop and you should not let this kind of attitude or feeling be pass over to your next generation.
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of Spirit. Ecclesiastes 4:4
So, it's clear. Jealous and envy lead you to different level of sins, which could cause your soul to hate someone rather to love and contentment. It's sometime called the "Green-Eyed Monster" the kind of attitude is toxic and could destroy someone's reputation.
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| Diane from the Anime The Seven Deadly Sins |
When you go home, never give a cross or unkind word to your husband's, but let kindness, charity and love crown your works henceforward; don’t eny the finery and fleeting show of sinners, for they are in a miserable situation; but as far as you can, have mercy on them, for in a short time God will destroy them, if they will not repent and turn unto him.
It was always instructed even in some organization to avoid such behaviour that could cause too much damage in one's personal life that may affect the entire community.
From Jeffrey R. Holland's Laborers in the Vineyard he said - Brothers and sisters, there are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.
Furthermore, envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone we know! What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment! To say nothing of the chagrin in the end, when we find that God really is both just and merciful, giving to all who stand with Him “all that he hath,” (Luke 12:44) as the scripture says. So lesson number one from the Lord’s vineyard: coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.
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| Serpent, symbol of Envy spotted in Diane's leg. Serpent has some attributes. Silent, deadly, and wanting for more. |
From Faith and Works in the Far East by Adney Y. Komatsu -
To give our time and self for the good of others is more important than giving material things in life. This most important part of the gospel is the very foundation of God’s commandments, for he said: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.
“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” D&C 59:5–6
This means, brothers and sisters and friends, that one does things for and with his neighbors. He visits the sick and the needy. He buoys up the discouraged and gives encouragement at every turn, while seeking the happiness of others.
Robert Louis Stevenson said, “If we would have friends we should be rich in admiration and free from envy; rejoice greatly in the good of others; love with such generosity of heart that your love becomes a dear possession in absence or unkindness.”
The message is simple and clear. No matter what you are just be contented and grateful what God has given you. Everything has a purpose and that perhaps the purpose of each man standing on different ground is to help each others left up, rather pulling someone down. Don't let envy destroy your soul and always be thankful to the blessings you obtain. Have a blessed day.
