Envy is consuming and therefore it is destructive!
Envy is a hostile feeling toward someone because he has something – an advantage, a benefit, a position – that the other does not possess but would like to have: a despicable feeling toward a person with a perceived advantage that is so strong the one who feels “envy” takes action to remove that person’s advantage in the hope that it will pass on to him: a kind of envy that is evil, sinister, and full of maliciousness.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Galatians chapter 5:
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings (resulting in murders), drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Our Heavenly Father was well aware that the chief priests had envy in their hearts and would use the works of their flesh to fulfill HIS plan, unbeknownst to them.
Mark wrote by The Holy Spirit in Mark chapter 15:
7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered Jesus for envy.
11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
12 And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto Him whom ye call the King of the Jews?
13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.
Pilate knew their envy was the driving force of their insecurity of losing power and control over the people. The priests had a deeply felt grudge toward Jesus because He possessed what they wanted: accomplishments, relationships, admiration of the people, and the title of King of Kings. They resented His success and were attempting to remove Him from the midst of the people. Jesus disrupted their control over the masses. They needed to get rid of the competition.
The envy in their hearts was ultimately used against them and in turn, benefited you and me.
Wisdom wrote by THE SPIRIT in Proverbs chapter 14:
30 A sound heart is the Life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
In other Words, a tender, tranquil heart will make you healthy, but jealousy can make you sick.
Also in Proverbs chapter 23:
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the Fear of the LORD all the day;
Envy is also described as: a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck.
If we focus on walking by The Holy Spirit in all areas, we will not seek what others possess. FATHER will provide exactly what we need and desire in the purity of the heart. HE wants to bless us in all areas and knows what possessions we can have that will not impact our relationship with HIM.
I have observed people over the years “sucking up” to wealthy people as though the rich man’s wealth will somehow rub off on them. I have also seen similar situations with ministries where people attempt to align themselves with the head of the ministry as though his anointing will transfer to them.
Be satisfied with what FATHER provides you in your calling. That is where peace will prevail in your heart.