Envy: The Poison of Comparison

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” (Proverbs 14:30, ESV)

Socrates called envy “the ulcer of the soul”.

“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19–21, ESV)

Envy is resenting God’s goodness in other people’s lives while ignoring His goodness in yours.

A Tragic Story of Envy

1. The Seed of Envy (5-9)

• Comparison
• Desire
• Resentment

2. The Characteristics of Envy (10-16)

• Ingratitude

“In our envy of others, we are actually confessing our bitterness toward God.” - Darrin Patrick

• Insecurity

David’s success didn’t cause Saul’s insecurity; it simply Revealed it.

• Dejection
• A desire to Harm
• Irrationality

Schadenfreude: satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.

3. The Consequences of Envy

• Personal Misery
• Failure to Fulfill your purpose and calling.
• Relational loss
• Immoral or unethical Behaviors

4. The Opposite of Envy (1-4)

• Unity
• Love

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant” (1 Corinthians 13:4, ESV)

• Covenant

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15, ESV)

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30, ESV)

The Test For Envy

The difference between Saul and Jonathan enables us to test ourselves for envy.

This is the test: How do you respond to the blessing and success of others?

Moving Beyond The Poison of Envy

Envy is rooted in Insecurity.

Insecurity results from securing our identity to an insecure foundation.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am,” (1 Corinthians 15:10, ESV)

Some Practical Tips:

• The first step out of the sinkhole of resentment and envy is worship. (Tim Keller)
• Rest in God’s love and grace, not your performance.
• Express gratitude to God for His goodness to you.
• Celebrate God’s goodness to others. (Share it with them).
• Where appropriate, be inspired by the example of others.
• Focus on honoring God by running your race.

“When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:21–22, ESV) 

Making It Personal:

• Are you actively following Jesus Christ today? Has there been a point in your life when you turned from trusting in your self-rule and self-righteousness and turned to Jesus Christ alone as your Savior and Lord?
• What might be evidence of envy operating in your life? Ask God to reveal to you the presence of envy and remind you of the destructiveness of envy.
• What is the source of your identity and security (be honest)? Invite God to help you explore this further.
• How can you begin to move beyond the poison of envy? What practices/habits or people can help you live this out daily?
• Who can you share these truths with?

Ready to take your Next Step?

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