Envy and stress – why are we envious of others? What causes envy? Is envy a sin? How does envy affect our health and our stress levels? Is there a way to overcome envy and jealousy of others and their success?
Envy and jealousy are used in the Bible interchangeably, and sometimes they mean different things.
So many questions to understand about envy and its effects on our health. Let’s dig in.
Envy and Stress: What are the Signs of Envy
How do we know a person is being envious? Are there signs of envy?
Yes. According to webmd.com, these signs below indicate you may be feeling envious of another.
- You aren’t happy for others when they achieve success.
- Another person’s success makes you feel unhappy.
- You feel the need to diminish someone else’s success.
- You judge others negatively.
- You’re happy when others face setbacks.
Envy and Stress: What Causes Envy
opening an umbrella in a strong wind.
As I was researching information about this topic, one blurb I saw about the cause of envy is a “dissatisfaction with self-image.” This was likely a psychological reference, but I agree with that statement because it aligns with scripture.
Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 ESV
Solomon was observing others and seeing that people were advancing their skillset only as a way to get ahead of their co-workers, neighbors, etc. They weren’t happy with themselves and their achievements. They had become competitive so they could win the best prize.
Why is envy a sin?
When we strive for greatness to build ourselves up, we have selfish ambitions. The more our purpose is centered on ourselves, the more we can be envious of others and want more of what they have. Sometimes this can lead us to sin.
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
James 3:14-16 ESV
Envy leads to evil, but it is also one of the ten commandments. The tenth commandment says not to covet your neighbor’s house, wife, or anything else he owns (Exodus 20:17 ESV). Coveting is wanting what someone else has. Therefore, envy is part of the law and should not be done.
Envy and its Affect on Health
Envy affects our mental health by how it relates to depression and anxiety. Our physical health is impacted too by feeling stressed and overwhelmed (MentalHelp.net).
This aligns with scripture as well.
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
Proverbs 14:30 ESV
Envy ties us up in knots on the inside and eats us up!
Due to the envy I felt at my previous job because someone was promoted and I was not, my health was affected by the stress I had put on myself from striving to get ahead and move up the ladder. I learned firsthand how envy and striving for a personal ambition affected my health. And ultimately, it affected my contentment with my job and the company.
Envy and Personal Relationships
Envy can affect our interpersonal relationships as well.
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:26 ESV
This feeling of coveting what others have causes conflict with others around us. It can ruin friendships, work relationships, and even marriages. Envy is just an all-around bad thing!
How to Overcome Envy
Is there help for those who struggle with envy and coveting what others have? Yes, there is!
Since envy and jealousy are closely related, the six tips shared in overcoming jealousy of others’ success are helpful in overcoming envy.
My favorite tip is being content with what we have. When we are content and thankful for what we have, our focus is centered on God. He gives good gifts, and we don’t need to focus on what others have and what we do not. Keep the focus on God. He knows what we need. If we need it, He will provide it! (Matthew 7:7-11 ESV).
