It often plays a key role in driving the drama and causing divisions through several prominent Biblical narratives. Jealousy is present from Genesis to Revelation. The individual living in contentment is shown to have life, whereas the one who lives with their desire for another’s possessions and successes is being destroyed internally. It consumes the individual who is indulging in it. This verse highlights the long-term effects of nursing a jealous spirit. Proverbs 14:30 “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” By contrast, wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit drives out feelings like jealousy. Jealousy can also lead to lies, trying to give impressions to compensate or inspire that feeling in others, furthering the sin. Because one feels entitled to something someone else possesses, it leads to acting out. The writer makes it clear that jealousy breeds bad feelings and unhealthy group dynamics. For where jealousy and selfish ambitions exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. James 3:14-16 “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. Jealousy drives many of the behaviors that Paul states love is not. Resentful feelings - which can lead to rejoicing at wrongdoing against others or when bad things happen to others - are not Christ-like. The English Standard Version translation uses the word envy. This verse also shows what jealousy is not. In this famous verse, Paul shows the Corinthian church what love, one of the feelings and states of being that is virtuous and godly, is. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” It does not insist on its own way it is not irritable or resentful it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. The wealthy separated themselves from the poor, and they indulged in other dividing behaviors that stemmed from resenting others.ġ Corinthians 13:4-7 “ Love is patient and kind love does not envy or boast it is not arrogant or rude. Here, early in the epistle, Paul criticizes jealousy amongst them. They were known for their fleshly behavior, not in a Christ-like manner. Here, Paul addressed the issues springing up at the church in Corinth. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” Life becomes bitter and destructive.ġ Corinthians 3:3 “For you are still of the flesh. Here, Eliphaz points out that being jealous and vexed by things not going your way is irritating and only makes life harder. Though Job’s friends gave bad advice at times and misunderstood God’s divine purpose in Job’s life and tragedies, they would sometimes state truths. These words come from Eliphaz, a friend of Job who came to try and comfort the titular individual. Job 5:2 “Surely vexation kills the fool, and jealousy slays the simple.” Whether it is seen in the life of a person in the Bible or mentioned in a book of wisdom, there are many verses which show the dangers of jealousy. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Yakobchuk Olena Such use of the word jealousy is different, though man’s sinful nature corrupts it, and it turns into the negative emotion with which most people are familiar. There is an aspect of jealousy that is not negative necessarily, where one is, “solicitous or vigilant in maintaining or guarding something intolerant of unfaithfulness or rivalry.” This type of jealousy is where one desires what one is owed, and is often used in the context of God being jealous, or desirous, of the worship and love owed Him. It begins with a sinful feeling or thought, but can lead to acting out in sinful ways. It is the state of dislike for another’s items, success, or lifestyle. Jealousy is the noun that relates to the state of being jealous: “feeling resentment against someone because of that person's rivalry, success, or advantages inclined to or troubled by suspicions or fears of rivalry, unfaithfulness.” Jealousy falls under the tenth commandment to not covet. Understanding what jealousy is, and recognizing it, can help shape the way believers respond to it, and strengthen someone’s walk with God. While it may seem trivial to be worried about an emotion like jealousy, it often leads people to act out in ways that are harmful to themselves or others. It changes the way people perceive others, their own life, and maybe even their perception of God’s goodness and plan. One such emotion is jealousy, a form of covetousness. Others root individuals in stubbornness, disdain, and pride. Some emotions spur people together in brotherly love, compassion, and worship. The feelings of the heart are both godly and wicked.
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