What are the signs of envy?

If we want to grow more in our character, we must evaluate ourselves for the things that hinder us from being satisfied. 

Envy, though it is a natural human emotion if a person gets out of control, could affect his inner peace and relationships with others.

Meanwhile, jealousy and envy are pretty different. Envy is the grudge we feel because of other people's advantages or possessions. 

In contrast, jealousy is the fear or concern that others will take something you have.

Are you sure you are not envious? 

What are the signs of envy

We might not be aware that we are envious of others, and it destroys us little by little without us knowing. Thus, it is crucial to watch out for these signs so that we know how to control ourselves.

Here are some signs of envy.

Not happy with other’s success

Some people cannot stand celebrating other people’s success because they are envious. You might feel that you deserve more than the other person. You find yourself annoyed if, for instance, your colleagues get an appreciation for doing their best.

If you did not like sharing other people’s success, you might envy them.

Give insincere compliments

Envy people do not want to show that they feel wrong about others. So, they give insincere compliments instead. They pretend they are happy with someone’s success, but deep inside, they wish to receive praise. 

Besides, they give too many compliments that make the other person believe that they are truly happy for them.

Compete with others

Those who are envious often feel like they compete with others. They want to have what others have or to experience what others are experiencing. 

Being competent is good, but if it gets out of hand, you could hurt others just to prove that you are better than them. For instance, you are insensitive to what others might feel as long as you get what you want.

If you were envious, you always feel like you are in a rivalry with the person you are jealous of.

Compare themselves to others

If you kept on focusing on the blessings and achievements of others, then you might be envious. You love to compare what you have to what others have. 

Envious people wish to be like the other person they envy and have what they have. They are never satisfied with their lives and disregard their accomplishments and blessings in life. 

On the other hand, they love to compare themselves to others to feel superior.

Attention-seeker

Envious people love to be the center of attention. They want people to notice them and what they are doing. They will do everything to get the spotlight all the time. 

Furthermore, they hate it when other people get the crowd's attention. They pretend to be “all-knowing” just to steal the spotlight from others.

What does the Bible say about envy

God’s word defines envy as a “work of the flesh.” This is a character that is extremely dangerous and destructive sin.

Here are some verses in the Bible about envy.

No inheritance in God’s Kingdom

“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” - Galatians 4:19-21

Envy is pride, and it is the root of sins. Satan is envious of what God possesses and wants to get everything He has. He wants to be better than God. 

God’s words say that people who are envious do not belong to God’s kingdom.

Rottenness to the bones

“A heart at peace gives life to the body,  but envy rots the bones.” - Proverbs 14:30

If you did not compare yourself to others and are satisfied with what you have, you can be genuinely happy. Your body, mind, heart, and spirit will also be enthusiastic and energetic to focus more on what you do best.

On the other hand, envy kills your spirit to do more because even if you try your best, you are never satisfied. You always want to be better than others, so you keep trying yet remain ungrateful for what you have.

Every evil thing is there

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.   For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”- James 3:14-16

There is nothing to be proud of if you are bitter, envious, and self-seeking. It does not come from God. 

With such earthly, unspiritual, and demonic character comes evil practices. A person who wants to possess what others have will try to do everything to get what they want. They are insensitive if they could hurt others or destroy a relationship.

Bible verses to remember to get rid of an envious heart

1. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” -Luke 9:23-24.

2. “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ -Hebrews 13:5.

3. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up…” 1 Corinthians 13:4.

4. “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” -Colossians 3:14.

5. “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” - Philippians 2:1-4.

6. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.” - Romans 12:15-16.
7. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” - Philippians 4:3-5.

8. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” - Matthew 6:33.

We please God more when we overcome envy

If you see yourself, envy through the signs given. Thank the Lord for allowing us to change our characters to gain His favor and become what He wants us to be.

The beauty of God’s grace is that the Holy Spirit will lead us to be transformed and appreciate God’s blessings and our own uniqueness. 

Once we embrace who we are in Jesus, we realize we have nothing to be jealous of against others. Then we could produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit to become more like Jesus Christ.

We become loving, kind, gentle, generous, and joyful because of what God has given us. We would be able to rejoice in everything we have. Thus, it pleases the Lord.