How Do I Battle Against Envy? (Proverbs 24)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Have you ever looked at someone who seemingly has it all together, wants little to do with God, and thought, “Why can’t I have what they have?”

This struggle of envy is certainly nothing new, and Proverbs 24 has something to say about it. In this chapter, Solomon offers wisdom on various aspects of life. He advises against envying evil people and emphasizes the value of wisdom and knowledge in building a strong, stable life. He underscores the importance of righteous behavior, justice, and diligence while warning against laziness, deceit, and wickedness. In verses 1-2, he writes, ¹ “Don’t envy the evil or desire to be with them, ² for their hearts plan violence, and their words stir up trouble.”

Envy comes in many forms. Sometimes, it’s being envious of those who have done what’s wrong but seem to be getting ahead. But envy is always rooted in a self-centered heart. The Italian priest Thomas Aquinas defined envy as “sorrow for another’s good.”[1]

Commenting on this definition, Gavin Ortlund writes, “Just think for a moment about how squarely malicious envy is based on this definition. In fact, just as pride is the opposite of humility, envy can be thought of as the opposite of love. Love says, ‘I’m happy when you’re happy, and I’m sad when you’re sad.’ Envy says, ‘I’m happy when you’re sad, and I’m sad when you’re happy.’ Could anything be more terrible?”[2] When we envy those we despise, we root for their downfall. But in verses 17-20, Solomon goes on to give this admonition:

¹⁷ Don’t gloat when your enemy falls,
and don’t let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,
¹⁸ or the Lord will see, be displeased,
and turn his wrath away from him.

¹⁹ Don’t be agitated by evildoers,
and don’t envy the wicked.
²⁰ For the evil have no future;
the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

Notice what envy does. It is quite literally self-destructive because it turns God’s anger from those who are doing what is evil to those who are envious. When we are envious, we lose our joy. As Ortlund writes,

There is no joy in your life that cannot be destroyed by envy. No matter what you have, envy can say, “Yes, you might have X, but you don’t have Y.” . . . “Yeah, you might have gotten into that college, but you didn’t get into that one.” “Yeah, you might be making good money, but you don’t have enough time to enjoy it.” “Yeah, your church might be growing, but you don’t have the opportunities that so-and-so has.”^[3]

Envy destroys, and there is a reason it is listed as one of the seven deadly sins.

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | Lord, I praise you for your wisdom and guidance in my life, as found in your word. Thank you for instructing me not to envy the wicked or desire their company. This is a word I need to hear and obey.

Release | I release any feelings of envy or jealousy that I have towards others, especially those who seem to prosper through wicked means. Help me to let go of comparing myself to those who do not follow your ways and to trust in your unique plan for my life. I surrender these negative emotions to you, seeking peace and contentment in your presence, knowing that envy only leads to unrest and dissatisfaction.

Ask | I ask for your strength and wisdom to focus on my own journey and not be envious of those who follow unrighteous paths. Help me celebrate the successes of others and find contentment in the blessings you have given me. Give me the discernment to recognize envy's empty promises and remain steadfast in seeking your truth and guidance.

Yield | I yield my heart to you, trusting that you have a perfect plan for my life, free from envy and jealousy. I surrender my desires to you and commit to following your guidance, knowing that you will provide for me in your perfect timing. May I always seek your will above my own, finding joy in your divine purpose for me and steering clear of the envy that leads to destruction.

A Challenge to Act Like Christ