According to AI, the phrase “Green with envy” means to be extremely envious, jealous, or covetous of what someone else possesses or does.
Envy, jealousy, and covetous—are Bible words that convey relational feelings of illwill. The Bible provides clear direction on handling such emotions.
While similar, the words have slightly different meanings.
- Envy is the discontentment, distress, or resentment one feels for not having something that someone else possesses.
- Jealousy is suspicion, fear, or dread of losing something or someone I already have.
- Covetous is an intense desire for what someone else has and is usually associated with greed.
Another trio (envy, jealous, and covet), these traits are usually linked to the command, “thou shalt not.” Most people (including me), would never admit to having these emotions. So I asked myself, how would I manage such emotions, if if any of the three crossed my path?
The Bible reminds me that contentment is at the core of my ability to curve an envious, jealous, and covetous appetite.
Hebrews 13:4-6 says this, 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.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Dig Deeper
Contentment is spiritual. Contentment demands discipline. Contentment must be learned and practiced regularly. Contentment requires that my eyes be focused on God and accomplishing His will; not on what others do, what they have, what they look like or the position they hold.
Truth is, I must learn to be satisfied with my own abilities, possessions, and situations. I must also trust God to fulfill and satisfy my needs. The grass is only greener on the other side because the world is full of artificial turf.
What God has for me, is for ME…the good, the not so good, and everything in between will work together for my good. My current circumstances are in the hands of a powerful God. My gifts, talents, and possessions all come from God and I am grateful He sees fit to allow me to walk in His amazing grace.
God has a great plan for my life. So, I reject jealousy, envy, and covetous practices and walk in all that God has in store for me.
My Prayer: Dear God, please forgive me for the every jealous, envious, and covetous thought and mindset. I thank You for your many blessings and I look forward to all You have in store for me. Help me to channel my attentions towards my own gifts, talents, and possessions and to be thankful for all of your many blessings upon me. Amen!