Envy Much?
Proverbs 27:4
4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
This proverb contrasts the temporary nature of wrath and anger with the enduring power of envy. While anger and wrath may cause temporary distress, envy can linger and cause lasting harm.
“Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous”:
This part of the verse highlights the harmful and destructive nature of both wrath and anger. Wrath is described as cruel, indicating it can be intense and hard to control. Anger is described as outrageous, suggesting it can be a powerful and uncomfortable emotion.
“But who is able to stand before envy?”:
This part of the verse shifts the focus to the emotion of envy. The question implies that envy is a more formidable and persistent emotion than wrath or anger. Envy can be particularly destructive because it can lead to jealousy and a desire for revenge, which can be difficult to overcome.
Wrath is defined as extreme anger. Anger is defined as a strong feeling of displeasure, annoyance, or hostility. Envy is defined as a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck. People who are envious are often insecure and resentful. They have an unhealthy desire to have what others have and can be critical of others and may try to undermine them. Envious individuals might struggle to celebrate the success of others and might display negative emotions of sadness or anger when others do well. Envy can lead to jealousy. To be jealous is to feel resentment, bitterness, or hostility toward someone because they have something you don’t. While they are similar feelings, one should take caution to avoid them because once you have started to experience bitterness on any level you are treading deep water. Bitterness will grow a root in your soul. It will fester like an infection, and we all know what happens if an infection goes untreated. It will spread and take over.
Anger is terrible, but it will end. Like the waters of a flood recede eventually, anger will subside. But jealousy is a worse state because the feeling will not end quickly, instead it will cause trouble for a long time.
Proverbs 6:34
34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
Consider these quotes about envy:
“Our envy always lasts longer than the happiness of those we envy.”
“As iron is eaten away by rust, so the envious are consumed by their own passion.”
“Love looks through a telescope; envy, through a microscope.”
Dear friend, count your blessings, not the blessings of others. Learn to be content. The definition of content is to be in a state of peaceful happiness. When you get right down to it, that is truly up to you. Contentment is a choice. Your choice.