Have you ever felt a little sick when someone else succeeded? That’s envy talking.
Envy rarely shows itself but prefers to seethe and boil beneath the surface.
While we often use the words interchangeably, envy and jealousy are not quite the same. Envy resents another person’s blessing and wants it for oneself, while jealousy fears losing something it already possesses.
We are warned that envy is no small thing but is spiritual cancer. Proverbs 14:30 puts it bluntly: “Envy makes the bones rot.” What a vivid picture of how it drains life from within. While we may think envy is a harmless, personal struggle within, it can block growth, damage relationships, and even lead to sin that destroys.
Cain’s story is a clear example. When God accepted Abel’s offering but rejected Cain’s, Cain didn’t turn inward for repentance. He glanced sideways at his brother’s favor, and envy took root. God counseled him, “You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master (Genesis 4:7 NLT).” But Cain opened that door wide. Envy led him to murder.
Galatians 5:19–21 reminds us that envy is among the “works of the flesh” that lead to destruction. It’s in the same category as sexual immorality, idolatry, and hatred, and is not just a shortcoming, but a serious spiritual issue.
And Proverbs 23:17 reminds us of where our eyes should be: “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.” In other words, don’t envy someone else’s path or success, but fear the Lord and trust His timing, His favor, and His provision for you.
Pay attention to what you are thinking and feeling. Contentment starves envy and leaves little room for it to grow. The good news is that the Lord meets us even here, forgiving our envy and teaching us a better way. The antidote is intimacy with God, living as loved, walking obediently by His Spirit, cultivating thankfulness for your life, and trusting that He sees and rewards rightly.
This was originally published by First Stone Ministries in their Summer 2025 newsletter. Minor revisions have been made. For more information about First Stone, you may click through to the site. www.firststone.org
Laura Leigh Chats 