Have you ever been around an envious person? They are not very fun to be around, are they? The envious person is discontent, sad, and even angry. They are not pleasant to be around because envy destroys our peace. When we are envious, we are so consumed by what we do not have that we cannot find any peace as we live the lives that God has given us today. Before we realize it, envy can cause us to have such a foul odor that we are unpleasant for anyone to be around. Instead of envy, Scripture calls us to be filled with peace, even when, especially when, someone has something else that we want.
The writer of Proverbs 14 explains just how detrimental comparison and envy are to us. He writes in this passage of Scripture, “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer to the bones” (verse 30). Indeed, jealousy that comes from comparison destroys us in the same way that cancer destroys an otherwise healthy body. The English Standard Version says it this way, "envy makes the bones rot." You have seen envy completely destroy a person from the inside out, haven't you? It’s not pleasant to observe. Envy can cause a person to be so consumed by jealousy that they cannot find any hope, joy, or peace in their lives.
Instead of being consumed by jealousy, we are called to be people at peace with others and with God. That is why the writer of Proverbs 14:30 began the verse by saying that "a peaceful heart leads to a healthy body." While envy destroys us, peace makes us healthy and strong. Don't you want to be a healthy and strong person? I urge you, friend, to seek to live at peace with the people around you and with God. Follow the instruction in Romans 12:18, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” Work hard to let go of jealousy and live at peace with everyone around you.
Follow the instruction in Romans 12, "Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone." What does it mean to "do all that you can" to have peace with everyone, especially those whom you are tempted to be jealous of? Answer that question and then take one step today to live at peace with that person whom you are tempted to be jealous of.
1A wise woman builds her home,
but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
2 Those who follow the right path fear the Lord;
those who take the wrong path despise him.
3 A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,
but the words of the wise keep them safe.
4 Without oxen a stable stays clean,
but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
5 An honest witness does not lie;
a false witness breathes lies.
6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,
but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.
7 Stay away from fools,
for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.
8 The prudent understand where they are going,
but fools deceive themselves.
9 Fools make fun of guilt,
but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can fully share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the godly will flourish.
12 There is a path before each person that seems right,
but it ends in death.
13 Laughter can conceal a heavy heart,
but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
14 Backsliders get what they deserve;
good people receive their reward.
15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!
The prudent carefully consider their steps.
16 The wise are cautious and avoid danger;
fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.
17 Short-tempered people do foolish things,
and schemers are hated.
18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evil people will bow before good people;
the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.
20 The poor are despised even by their neighbors,
while the rich have many “friends.”
21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;
blessed are those who help the poor.
22 If you plan to do evil, you will be lost;
if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.
23 Work brings profit,
but mere talk leads to poverty!
24 Wealth is a crown for the wise;
the effort of fools yields only foolishness.
25 A truthful witness saves lives,
but a false witness is a traitor.
26 Those who fear the Lord are secure;
he will be a refuge for their children.
27 Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain;
it offers escape from the snares of death.
28 A growing population is a king’s glory;
a prince without subjects has nothing.
29 People with understanding control their anger;
a hot temper shows great foolishness.
30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;
jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,
but helping the poor honors him.
32 The wicked are crushed by disaster,
but the godly have a refuge when they die.
33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart;
wisdom is not found among fools.
34 Godliness makes a nation great,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.
