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◄ Being Jealous►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Nature:
Jealousy, in the biblical context, is a complex emotion that can manifest as a protective or possessive concern over something or someone. It is often associated with envy, but the two are distinct; envy desires what another possesses, while jealousy is concerned with guarding what one perceives as rightfully theirs.

Biblical Usage:
The Bible addresses jealousy in both human and divine contexts. Human jealousy is frequently depicted as a negative trait, leading to sin and discord. Divine jealousy, however, is portrayed as a righteous and protective zeal for the holiness and exclusivity of God's relationship with His people.

Human Jealousy:
Human jealousy is often condemned in Scripture as it can lead to destructive behavior and is contrary to the fruits of the Spirit. InGalatians 5:19-21 , jealousy is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are opposed to the Spirit.James 3:16 warns, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice."

The account of Cain and Abel inGenesis 4 illustrates the destructive power of jealousy. Cain's jealousy of Abel's favor with God leads to the first murder. Similarly, in1 Samuel 18:6-9 , King Saul's jealousy of David's success and popularity results in a relentless pursuit to kill him.

Divine Jealousy:
In contrast, God's jealousy is depicted as a holy and just attribute. It reflects His desire for an exclusive relationship with His people, free from idolatry and unfaithfulness.Exodus 34:14 states, "For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."

God's jealousy is protective, ensuring that His people remain devoted to Him alone. InDeuteronomy 4:24 , it is written, "For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." This divine jealousy is not rooted in insecurity but in a rightful claim to the love and worship of His creation.

Jealousy in Relationships:
Jealousy can also appear in personal relationships, often leading to strife and division.Proverbs 27:4 observes, "Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?" This highlights the intense and consuming nature of jealousy, which can destroy relationships if left unchecked.

In the context of marriage, theSong of Solomon 8:6 poetically describes love as "strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave." Here, jealousy is portrayed as a natural and intense aspect of love, emphasizing the exclusivity and commitment inherent in marital relationships.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:
The Bible encourages believers to avoid jealousy and instead cultivate contentment and love.Romans 13:13 advises, "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy."

Believers are called to emulate Christ, who exemplified humility and selflessness, rather than succumbing to jealousy.Philippians 2:3 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves."

Conclusion:
While human jealousy is often a destructive force, divine jealousy is a reflection of God's righteous desire for a pure and devoted relationship with His people. Believers are encouraged to guard against jealousy in their own lives, seeking instead to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit and live in harmony with others.

Topical Bible Verses

Proverbs 24:1
Be not you envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 13:4
Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity braggs not itself, is not puffed up,
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 3:31
Envy you not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 2:1-25
Why laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings,
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Greek

5355. phthonos -- envy
... of sin; (figuratively) the miserable trait ofbeing when someone experiences misfortune
or pain. 5355 ("the feeling of ") refers to thejealous envy that...

Library

The Covenant of an Everlasting Priesthood
... A reckless disregard of everything that would interfere with God's will and commands,
abeing jealous with God's jealousy against sin, a witnessing and a...

But as yet by Faith and not by Sight...
...jealous, not for himself; because in the voice of Thy water-spouts, not in his own
voice, doth he call to that other depth, over whombeing jealous he feareth...

That the Renewal of Man is not Completed in this World.
... not for himself; because in the voice of Thy "waterspouts," [1237] not in his own
voice, doth he call on that other deep, for whombeing jealous he feareth...

Letter xiv. --Abandonment in Trials.
... When God honours a soul bybeing jealous of its love, the greatest favour He can
confer upon it is to gradually deprive it of everything that could turn its...

How God isJealous of Us.
... and the other fears that she may not be loved enough;"yet in sooth she does not
precisely fear the notbeing loved enough, as otherjealous persons do, who...

You have Therefore the Will of My God. ...
... But you will think that God must be found fault with, and that forbeing jealous,
if He has chosen to contend with a disease and to do good by imitating the...

Among the Orderlies at the Castle was one David...
... Groping for light, he turned to the young David. Then first he learned that God,
being jealous, hated the image of everything that has the breath of life....

Of the Perturbations of the Soul which Appear as Right Affections...
... Gentiles; [703]being jealous over the Corinthians, and fearing in that jealousy
lest their minds should be corrupted from the chastity that is in Christ; [704...

Also Because they did not Believe the Prophets, and Put them to...
... to scatter you abroad; and ye have not hearkened unto me." [3826] Also in the third
book of the Kings, Elias saith unto the Lord: "Inbeing jealous I have been...

The Pure in Heart
... the finest and noblest parts of his character come out, but by copying his Father
in everything; that going where his Father sends him;being jealous of his...