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The Poison of Envy

A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.  Proverbs 14:40

 

In ancient Greece, the citizens of a certain city erected a statue of a celebrated champion in the public games. But his rival was so envious that he vowed to destroy that statue. Every night he went after dark and chiseled away at its base in an effort to undermine its foundation and make it fall. At last he succeeded. It did fall--but it fell on him. The jealous athlete died, a victim of his own envy.

Envy dethones God. Envy destroys our spiritual health, and it takes the joy, happiness, and contentment out of living. Envy becomes a spiritual leprosy, isolating us from both God and other human beings. No wonder God ranks envy on the same level as sexual immorality, idolatry, witchcraft, and drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21).

To get rid of this devastating poison, first recognize that you have it. Then confess your sin to God and renounce it. Finally, since envy cannot be overcome in your own strength, open your heart to the transforming power of Christ.

From, HOPE for Each Day: Morning & Evening Devotions, by Billy Graham.