1. Envy is similar to covetousness. While both covetousness and envy involve want for something that someone else has, envy is unique in that it includes resentment towards the person who has what you want.

• Envy and/or jealousy bring every evil thing (James 3:16), and can cause great hatred and wrath (Ezekiel 35:11, Matthew 2:1-8,16). 

  • Joseph's brothers wanted the favor that he received from his father, and they hated Joseph for it (Genesis 37:5-11, Acts 7:9), 

  • The Jews wanted Jesus' and Paul's success in drawing crowds to hear the word of God, and they hated them for their success (Matthew 27:18, Acts 13:44-45). 

    • Thinking or speaking ill of someone else for their gains or successes is envy.

 

2. If you are idle or lazy, you will covet (Proverbs 21:26), so you have to be productive if you want more value in your life (money, skills, friendships, closeness with God, etc.).

• To gain value, you have to work for it (Acts 20:33-34). Productive thinking and activity will help you to be content. It's laziness to want something that you aren't willing to work for. 

• As long as it is not sinful to have, wanting what another person has is ok as long as you are not resentful toward the person, and if it inspires you to work toward your desire (1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:10).

 

3. Do not envy sinners or unbelievers (Proverbs 23:17, Psalm 37:1-5) because the pleasures of sin are momentary and will end in death; but godliness brings satisfaction.

• Through obedience to God you will have everything you need, and you will lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10, Psalm 23:1). Your desires will be fulfilled (Psalm 37:4).

  • Be content with Christ, knowing that you are safe and well-provided for in Him(Philippians 4:19, Romans 8:32)

• Trying to fulfill desires in a sinful way never satisfies (Proverbs 27:20).