Cancer Of The Soul

Read Proverbs 27

Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous.

Proverbs 27:4

An old Jewish fable tells of two men, one greedy and the other jealous. A certain king offered to give them anything they asked for, but twice as much to him who asked last. The greedy man refused to ask first, because he wanted the double portion. The jealous man likewise refused to make the first request because he could not bear the thought of his neighbor receiving more than himself. Finally, the jealous man broke the impasse, requesting that one of his eyes should be taken out, in order that his neighbor might lose both.

Such is the nature of jealousy. It cheers for the ruin of others, and given the chance, will take an active role in bringing about their downfall. It was because of jealousy that Cain murdered Abel, that Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, that the Jews had Christ crucified.

Unlike anger and wrath, which typically erupt and then pass, jealousy lurks long-term in the shadows of the human heart, ravaging souls and wrecking lives.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Reject jealousy.

Today, Lord, I ask you to keep me free from jealousy. Help me rejoice when others experience success and prosperity.