“I’ve spent most of my life walking under that hovering cloud—jealousy—whose acid raindrops blurred my vision and burned holes in my heart.”
~Astrid AlaudaEnvy is a sin that grows in the background of another’s preeminence. The seed of envy is the fruit of another person’s accomplishments. It is the dread that the success of others will rise above our own.
This is exactly what Saul saw in his new rival, David. In 1 Samuel 18:30, it says, “…And so it was, whenever they went out, that David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed.” David was a man who acted with prudence and caution—and as a result, he prospered.
“Base envy withers at another’s joy, and hates the excellence it cannot reach.” (Thomson)
When David prospered, it only angered Saul more. Dwight L. Moody once told a fable about an eagle who was envious of another eagle that could fly higher. One day, the envious bird saw a sportsman with a bow and arrow and said, “I wish you would bring down that eagle up there.” The man replied that he could, but only if he had some feathers for his arrow.
So, the jealous eagle pulled one out of his own wing. The man fired—but the arrow didn’t reach, the other eagle was too high. The jealous eagle pulled another feather, then another—until he had lost so many that he himself couldn’t fly. The archer took advantage of the moment, turned, and killed the helpless bird.
Moody’s point? If you’re envious of others, the one you’ll hurt most is yourself.
This was true of the Jews who delivered up Christ to be crucified. It was true of Saul, who spent his life trying to destroy David. And it’s true today—envy is still a thief of joy and peace.
Instead, we must cultivate the kind of mindset Paul describes in Romans 12:16–18:
“Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men and women.”
Let’s be real—and be happy for the blessings of others. The circumstances don’t matter. Bless them.
~James