"Envy Is As Rottenness Of The Bones"

A good definition of envy is, "a feeling of ill will or discontent or resentment because of another’s power, promotion or high position." It is one of the most vile emotions that can rise and surge in the soul of man (Proverbs 27:4). Envy is among the first recorded sins (Genesis 4:1-8). Rachel envied Leah (Genesis 30:1). The darkest day caused by envy was when our Lord was delivered to Pilate (Matthew 27:11-18). Envy caused Paul to be persecuted (Acts 17:5), and it still causes Christians heartache today.

The individual who retains envy in his heart, may look fine on the outside. In fact, he may tell you that he feels fine. But deep inside his body, the bone structure which supports his body is rotting away. Soon, there will be no support at all. He will eventually be unable to move or to stand. Death will become imminent. The Proverb writer calls this rottenness of the bones “envy” (Proverbs 14:30). This malady eats away at the support of a seemingly strong, healthy Christian. It may begin with a simple observation of seeing the world “getting away with” things he secretly wishes he could do. He sees the wicked becoming more and more prosperous, and begins to envy them, wishing he had same prosperity.

However, envy doesn’t stop there. It continues to eat away at the “bones” of the Christian by leading to strife. Throughout the Bible, we see that envy and strife are paired (cf. Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Gal. 5:21; 1 Timothy 6:4). James tells us the results of envy (James 3:14-16). Envy is one of the works of the flesh listed in Gal. 5:19-21. Note that it ranks alongside with adultery, fornication, drunkenness and murder. Folks filled with envy are listed with haters of God and pronounced worthy of death (Romans 1:29-32). How can we keep from being envious? Peter tells us to "lay it aside" (1 Peter 2:1). The wise man tells us not to envy evil men nor the wicked (Proverbs 24:1; Proverbs 24:19). So, how do we make application of these admonitions?

If the supporting framework of our existence is disintegrating, we must look to the composition of the framework in order to find the answer. If envy is defined as “ill will,” what is the antibody that will cure it? The answer is “good will” — wishing good for all — a result of agape love (Matthew 22:37-40; cf. Matthew 5:44; 1 Corinthians 13:13). If we make application of agape love — the kind of love God and Jesus have (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:6-8), envy will no longer have room to exist. It is virtually impossible to love and envy at the same time (1 Corinthians 13:4; cf. 1 Peter 4:8).

Beloved, whenever we begin to feel a “warning tingle” in our bones — that grudging feeling that comes by desiring what someone else has, let us immediately apply the Great Physician’s cure. We must see the object of our envy as an object for our love. When we do this, the prognosis will no longer be terminal. What will remain, will be a Christ-like outlook towards life and living, no longer envious of having “things,” but looking forward to eternal life (Philippians 4:4-13; Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Timothy 6:17-19).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets