Honey From The Rock

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Honey From The Rock
Psalm 81:16

"Sweet Stuff From God's Word"

A daily Bible study with Victor Knowles
Copyright 2007

THE ENVENOM OF ENVY

This entry was posted on 04-11-2008 and is filed under uncategorized.

"Envy" is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:21). W. E. Vine calls envy "the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others." Shakespeare called envy "the green sickness." Philip Bailey said envy is "a coal come hissing hot from hell." Martin Luther noted, "Too many Christians envy the sinners their pleasure and the saints their joy because they don't have either one."

Love doesn't envy (1 Cor. 13:4). The Bible contains several warnings about our being envious of others (see Psa. 37:1; Prov. 23:17). Joseph's brothers almost killed him because of hatred and envy. Our Lord Jesus was killed because of envy. "For he (Pilate) knew that because of envy they (Jewish leaders) had delivered Him" (Matt. 27:18; see also Mark 15:10). Christians are warned to be on the lookout for envy in their lives (Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 3:3; Gal. 5:26). When we see that others have prospered, do not yield to the temptation to envy them. Rather, "rejoice with them that rejoice" and thank God that He has blessed them. Giving in to envy may well block blessings that might have come our own way.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, purify us from any envious thoughts and feelings today. Help us through Your Holy Spirit to "rejoice with those who rejoice." Through Christ we pray.