1 Samuel 18:8-9
And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” And Saul eyed David from that day on.
This verse is taken from the story of David and Saul. Saul, the king was a very prideful man. David was just a shepherd boy, but he was a boy who who was lead by God and had been obedient to God. God used David to kill the giant Goliath. And, unknown to Saul, God had already selected David to be his successor. However, Saul could not handle the reputation that was being given to David. He couldn't stand not being at the center and having the highest praise. Saul was envious and jealous for what David had and he failed to earn in regard to his reputation. Envy is a very difficult emotion and sin to deal with it in our lives. To desire something holy is a good thing (1 Timothy 3:1 ... Timothy is told by Paul that to "desire the office of the ministry" is a good thing). However, to desire something evil, in this case, praise for yourself, is a bad thing and sin against God. Perhaps David's son, Solomon, had this story in mind when he penned the following words:
Proverbs 14:30
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,
but envy makes the bones rot.
Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy?
Notice in the New Testament where wars, fighting and anger among Christians are said by James to stem from:
James 4:1-3
Warning Against Worldliness
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
Saul was jealous and was not able handle the success of another one of God's children. He was not able to rejoice in the success of others without wishing harm on that person. Envy and jealous is rotten to the bone. The truth is God hates the sin of jealousy. Note the spirit of jealous and envy in Solomon's words below:
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.
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