“Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?” Proverbs 27:4
Devotional Thought For The Day
I suppose that most of us have had some opportunity to contemplate jealousy. It is part and parcel of our damaged sinful nature. It arises easily and spontaneously when we observe some good, blessing, wealth, possession, or privilege that another has obtained, which we are unable to have. If we allow jealousy room in our hearts even for a short time it tends to sink roots, and it grows more and more fierce until it becomes a driving compulsion. In time it is not even a matter that we want what the other has, we simply don’t want him to have that benefit. So, although wrath is cruel and abiding anger is overwhelming, jealousy can move people to even worse behavior. There is deliberate plotting and planning as to how to denude the other of his possessions, and also to make sure that maximum pain and discomfort is delivered on him.
This is always one of the dangers of being “blessed” and gaining good and enjoyable things – it is sure to provoke envy and jealousy in someone. And sooner or later that someone will be a person who cannot dismiss or deal with his jealousy. Then, unbeknownst to us, and completely without warrant or cause, we are placed in the cross-hairs of a jealous maniac. Thanks and praise be to God that although we cannot protect ourselves from such calculated wickedness, God can and does protect and preserve us – although such expressions of jealousy are always painful, that someone would allow their jealousy to inspire utter hatred of us. So the proverb is a good warning to remain humble and to live simply, lest in pride and arrogance we invite such jealousy and attacks upon ourselves.
More importantly, the proverb is a powerful warning against allowing jealousy to take root in our hearts. The best antidote to jealousy is faith in God, that He is providing us with just what is best and right for us – so that we are content with what we have and are constantly giving Him our thanks and praise. If we are thus thankful and content our focus will be on the abundant blessings God has already given us, so that if we even notice the blessings our neighbor has received we can simply rejoice with him in the goodness and kindness of God. We must remember the reality: if you cannot be content with what you have right now, you will never be content. For we will always and only have what we have at the moment; contentment never comes with the next purchase, the next possession. This can be quite difficult for us, but we can discipline ourselves so that jealousy doesn’t take possession of us and ruin us.
Jealousy involves many different sins – unbelief, discontentment, ingratitude, malice and hatred toward others. Thankfully, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin, so that as we confess our sins of jealousy we have assurance of God’s gracious mercy and forgiveness. And as we recognize the dangers and darkness of jealousy, we can pray God to help us, to deliver us from the grasp of this force, and to discipline ourselves in faith and trust in God, joy and gratitude for His goodness toward us. May He grant us constant protection from the raging jealousy of others, and especially from the dire temptations to be jealous.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, jealousy had a part in Your crucifixion. Jealousy of the blessings and power of Your kingdom also creates persecution of Your dear people of faith. We cannot stand without Your protection, so we pray that You will always remain our shield and tower. We especially pray Lord that You would deliver us from all temptations to the evil of jealousy. Grant us love enough to rejoice in the good that You provide for others, and the blessing of genuine contentment and gratitude for what we have received from You. Amen.