Today's Scripture
Insight
The strange mix of emotions found in 1 Samuel 18:5–9 is worth noting. The troops and officers were “pleased” when David’s military success was rewarded with promotion (v. 5), and the homecoming of the army was met with dancing and singing (v. 6). But the emotional atmosphere soon shifted because the song celebrated David’s greatness above Saul’s (v. 7). Internal envy gave way to anger and displeasure (v. 8).
We see biblical warnings against envy throughout Scripture. The book of Proverbs says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (14:30) and “Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?” (27:4). The word translated “envy” in Proverbs 14:30 and “jealousy” in 27:4 is the same Hebrew word. What’s in view are strong feelings of resentment or ill-will because of the actual or perceived advantages.
By: Arthur Jackson
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