Envy is something that has existed since the time of Abel and Cain, because we already know what happened in this story found in the book of Genesis. Cain saw that Abel’s offering was more pleasing before God than his own, and instead of correcting his heart, he allowed envy to take root within him. This envy did not remain hidden or harmless; it grew, distorted his thinking, and ultimately led him to commit a terrible act. Cain was moved to act with envy, deceived by the enemy, and this envy produced death rather than repentance.
Everything that your brother undertakes and gives to the Lord comes from the same God who has shown all His excellence and goodness. God is the giver of every good gift, and He distributes talents, opportunities, and blessings according to His sovereign will. For this reason, we must show good conduct before the Lord, without envy and without vanity. When we understand that God is the source of all blessings, envy loses its power, because we recognize that God’s work in others does not diminish His work in us.
Envy blinds the heart and corrupts judgment. Instead of rejoicing in the good that God does through others, the envious person feels threatened, resentful, and dissatisfied. This attitude reveals a lack of trust in God’s wisdom and goodness. When envy governs the heart, it leads a person to compare constantly, to compete unnecessarily, and to measure worth based on human success rather than divine approval.
Let us remember that he who is envious will live with a spirit of affliction. Envy robs the soul of peace and joy. The envious heart is never satisfied, because it is always focused on what others have rather than on what God has already provided. Scripture consistently warns against this destructive attitude, showing that envy not only harms relationships, but also damages the spiritual life of the one who harbors it.
The preacher speaks clearly about what happens to people of excellent work and good conduct. Often, those who strive to walk uprightly before God and to do what is right become objects of envy, not because they seek attention, but because their faithfulness exposes the discontent of others:
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Ecclesiastes 4:4
This verse reveals a sobering reality: even good and righteous work can provoke envy. When a person works diligently, lives with integrity, and seeks to honor God, others may respond not with admiration, but with resentment. The preacher calls this “vanity and vexation of spirit” because envy produces emptiness and inner turmoil. It offers no lasting benefit, only frustration and unrest.
We all know that there are many who demonstrate excellence and good behavior in their various areas of work. Some excel in their professions, others in ministry, and others in their service to the Lord. They give their best, not for human recognition, but to please God. Unfortunately, this dedication can stir envy in the hearts of others. Instead of being inspired, some allow jealousy to grow, and envy causes many harmful consequences.
Envy can lead to division, bitterness, slander, and even hostility. It can destroy friendships, fracture communities, and weaken the unity of the church. In extreme cases, as seen in the story of Cain, envy can escalate into violence and destruction. This is why Scripture treats envy not as a minor flaw, but as a serious sin that must be confronted and rejected.
This way of thinking and acting belongs to the foolish man. The one who envies the good works done by another reveals a heart that is not aligned with the Word of the Lord. Wisdom teaches us to rejoice in the success and faithfulness of others, recognizing that God’s glory is advanced when His people walk in obedience. Foolishness, on the other hand, views another person’s blessing as a personal loss.
The wise believer understands that God’s work is not a competition. The Kingdom of God is not built on rivalry, but on cooperation and mutual encouragement. When one member of the body is honored, all are meant to rejoice. Envy disrupts this harmony and replaces gratitude with resentment.
Do not envy the good works of your neighbor. Instead, examine your own heart before God. If envy arises, bring it to the Lord in humility and repentance. Ask God to purify your motives and to help you trust His timing and provision. God knows what each of His children needs, and He is faithful to provide according to His will.
Turn away from evil and choose to unite rather than divide. When believers encourage one another and work together, the work of the Lord is strengthened. Unity produces fruit that envy never can. Supporting and celebrating the faithfulness of others honors God and brings peace to the community of faith.
Let us also remember that excellence before the Lord is not measured by comparison with others, but by faithfulness. God does not call everyone to the same role or level of visibility. Some serve publicly, others quietly, but all service done unto the Lord is precious in His sight. When we focus on pleasing God rather than impressing people, envy loses its grip.
In conclusion, envy is a destructive force that has existed since the earliest pages of Scripture. From Cain to the present day, it has caused pain, division, and spiritual decline. Yet God calls His people to a better way—a way of gratitude, humility, and love. Let us reject envy, embrace contentment, and rejoice in the good works that God accomplishes through others. By doing so, our own work will also be good and pleasing before the Lord, and our hearts will remain at peace in His presence.