A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. Proverbs 14:30
If we are not careful, envy can destroy our lives. When we focus on looking at other people's lives and wishing we had their same perfect relationships, families, financial situation, etc., our lives become miserable, as we are never fully content with what we have been given. Additionally, envy causes us to lose focus on the gifts that God has given each of us. It keeps us from enjoying these gifts. When we stop focusing on the things that others have been given, and we focus on our own gifts, we find joy and peace we would never know otherwise.
Envy is one thing that certainly escalates our stress. You see, when we start wanting the things that others have, we start to feel bitter and discontent. We start trying to seek after things that others have, working from sun up to sun down to attain the same things that our neighbor has attained or the same grade the valedictorian in our class has received. This envy, also known as jealousy, is detrimental to our mental and physical health. Proverbs 14:30 teaches us that it is cancerous. "A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones" (verse 30). In other words, envy, or jealousy, will destroy us. It will ruin our relationships, our joy, our peace, and so many other things.
As destructive as envy is, the good news is that we have another option than holding onto the envy. We can practice gratitude instead. You see, if we spend time appreciating and thanking God for the gifts that He has given us, we will take our eyes off of what we do not have and focus on all of the things that we have been given. As this happens, the stress of attaining the possessions and positions that our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances have will begin to dissolve as we thank God for His specific gifts to us.
Let's wage war against envy in our lives. Take time today to think about all of the gifts God has given you and the ways He has blessed you. As you think of these things, make a list. Then, after making your list, thank God for all of these blessings that He has placed in your life. Gratitude is a sure-fire way to kill envy.
A wise woman builds her home,
but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
Those who follow the right path fear the Lord;
those who take the wrong path despise him.
A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,
but the words of the wise keep them safe.
Without oxen a stable stays clean,
but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
An honest witness does not lie;
a false witness breathes lies.
A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,
but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.
Stay away from fools,
for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.
The prudent understand where they are going,
but fools deceive themselves.
Fools make fun of guilt,
but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can fully share its joy.
The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the godly will flourish.
There is a path before each person that seems right,
but it ends in death.
Laughter can conceal a heavy heart,
but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
Backsliders get what they deserve;
good people receive their reward.
Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!
The prudent carefully consider their steps.
The wise are cautious and avoid danger;
fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.
Short-tempered people do foolish things,
and schemers are hated.
Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Evil people will bow before good people;
the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.
The poor are despised even by their neighbors,
while the rich have many “friends.”
It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;
blessed are those who help the poor.
If you plan to do evil, you will be lost;
if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.
Work brings profit,
but mere talk leads to poverty!
Wealth is a crown for the wise;
the effort of fools yields only foolishness.
A truthful witness saves lives,
but a false witness is a traitor.
Those who fear the Lord are secure;
he will be a refuge for their children.
Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain;
it offers escape from the snares of death.
A growing population is a king’s glory;
a prince without subjects has nothing.
People with understanding control their anger;
a hot temper shows great foolishness.
A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;
jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,
but helping the poor honors him.
The wicked are crushed by disaster,
but the godly have a refuge when they die.
Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart;
wisdom is not found among fools.
Godliness makes a nation great,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.
A king rejoices in wise servants
but is angry with those who disgrace him.
