Envy: Its Destructive Power and Folly
ENVY is one of the most despicable of passions. There is scarcely a crime to which it will not lead its victims. It was envy that robbed the poor Naboth of his vineyard, and added murder to the theft. It was envy that led the guilty Absalom to desire the throne of his father David. It destroys all that is best and noblest in character. So subtle is it in its workings that we learn on the highest testimony that “envy is rottenness of the bones;” it eats out all honor and manliness; it gives sleepless nights and restless days. Moreover, envy is utterly useless; it helps nobody, it effects no alteration, it wins no goal. As we read in Job, “It slayeth the silly one;” and all sensible people must feel that there is marvelous silliness in envy.