February 2, 2010
Why Is Envy Considered To Be Sinful When It Is Often A Great Inspiration For Self-improvement?
Envy usually means you simply want something that someone else possesses, be it wealth, goods, status, etc.
It says nothing about admiring the person’s characteristics and/or attitude that were useful in obtaining said possessions.
It’s hard to envy someone’s * ability * to succeed, but easy to envy their success.
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Comments on Why Is Envy Considered To Be Sinful When It Is Often A Great Inspiration For Self-improvement?
Because it might drive you to be mean…..when you’re happy for someone you can still have them as an inspiration and achieve that yourself but if you are envious you might not even let that person appreciate what they got and make them feel bad. Jealously stems from envy and might have bad consequences. Look up to others be happy for them and if they inspire you go for those goals and get advice and you will achieve what you want. No need for envy because it would get you anywhere.
That’s a hard use to make of envy. Personally, I’ve found that envy just results in bitterness and resentment, especially when it’s due to things I can’t change.
God says it is wrong.
Ecc 4:4 Then I observed that most people are motivated to success by their envy of their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless, like chasing the wind.
Self-improvement should always be because YOU want to be better, not because you want to be better than someone else. One is selfish, the other is selfless.
The Lord knows your ‘motives’ and if it is an inspiration for improvement, then don’t continue the ‘envy’ and move on.
I feel the same way about gossip.
It can be a motivator toward better behavior.
I love to gossip.
The last thing christians want is self improvement. Every one is supposed to be the same.
You’re confusing envy with admiration
All I know is what I read in the Bible, for example thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s asss.
It causes jealousy, and so, can create dark thoughts.