“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” (Proverbs 14:30, ESV)
Having a tranquil heart is a good way to live. It sounds peaceful, calm, serene. But often life is not as tranquil as we would like because other things creep in—things that tear down rather than build up.
Throughout the Bible, along with many uplifting passages we find stories of conflict, dissatisfaction, resentment, envy, and jealousy.
- Cain killed Able because of jealousy and resentment that Able offered the better sacrifice.
- Joseph’s brothers grew jealous because their father favored him most.
- King Saul became jealous and resentful of David’s popularity with the people.
- Leah felt envious of the love Jacob showed toward Rachel.
- In Jesus’ parable, the elder brother was jealous that his father welcomed the prodigal home.
Jealousy is destructive and has been described as a cancer of the soul. James 3:16 warns us that, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (ESV). If life feels messy and chaotic, it’s time to check your heart. Could envy or jealousy be contributing to the turmoil in your life?
Margaret Thatcher, former British Prime Minister, once wisely stated, “The spirit of envy can destroy; it can never build.”
THE CAUSE AND EFFECT
What causes envy and jealousy? A dissatisfied heart—a heart that is unhappy with what God has given us. The tranquil heart mentioned in Proverbs 14:30 is a heart filled with contentment and gratitude. This is a heart that trusts God to provide what we need. Even though he faced many difficulties, the apostle Paul learned the secret of a tranquil heart.
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” (Philippians 4:11-12, ESV)
LIVING A CONTENTED LIFE
Contented people share several positive characteristics. They are content with what they have and practice gratitude. They avoid making comparisons. They choose to invest in people rather than possessions. They rejoice when they see others being blessed.
There will always be those with more money, a nicer car, nicer clothing, more exotic vacations, and a more perfect figure and face. That’s life. But the more we focus on what we do not have, the less we appreciate and enjoy what we do have.
How do we overcome negative feelings of envy, jealousy, discontent, and resentment? By controlling our thought life. Second Corinthians 10:5 tells us to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (ESV). Instead of focusing on these negatives, we must fill our hearts with gratitude.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: During your personal devotional time, list at least ten things you will thank God for today.
ADDED NOTE: Vocabulary.com describes the difference between jealousy and envy this way. “You can feel envy about something you don’t have but want, but you feel jealousy over something you already have but are afraid of losing.”
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
