May 6

Cure for Envy

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD. For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. — Prov 23:17-18 BSB

When we see wicked people prospering, it's easy to feel envious. When we hear their laughter while we’re burdened with heavy hearts, we might even think they're better off. But that kind of thinking is foolish and sinful. If we knew them better, and especially if we remembered their end, we would feel sorry for them.

The cure for envy is living constantly in God’s presence, worshipping Him and communing with Him throughout the day, no matter how long or hard the day might be. True faith lifts our hearts to a higher place where our judgments become clearer, and our desires more noble. The more our lives reflect heaven, the less we’ll desire the things of this earth. The fear of God drives out envy of others.

The death of envy comes when we calmly consider the future. The wealth and fame of the wicked are nothing but illusions. Their success is only a temporary flash that will soon fade. What good will their prosperity do when God’s judgment falls? But for the godly person, their end is peace and joy, and no one can take that away. So let’s let go of envy and embrace contentment.