Do not envy

You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? 1

But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 2

Love is not jealous or boastful or proud. 3 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.

For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. So get rid of all evil behaviour. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy. 4

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. 5 Don’t envy the wicked.

For evil people have no future. 6

Don’t envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. 7

 

1 1Cor 3.3 2 Jam 3.14-16 3 1Cor 13.4 4 1Pt 1.22-23,2.1 5 Prov 14.30 6 Prov 24.19-20 7 Psa 37.1-4