“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy? ” (Proverbs 27:4) (NIVUK)
We all know the damage caused by anger. When it is directed at us (or those we love) it either makes us feel vulnerable, humiliated and powerless, or it stirs up our own anger and we become defensive and perhaps a little irrational. Anger is truly ‘cruel and overwhelming’.
Anger is like a raging storm. It comes in fury, does its damage, then subsides.
But what of jealousy?
Have you ever been out walking and stepped on a log only to find it crumble under your foot because of the rot hidden beneath the surface?
This is how jealousy is described in Proverbs 14:30 ‘a relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life; jealousy rots it away.’ (TLB). Wood generally rots from underneath where there is moisture and darkness. This means that to the onlooker the wood looks strong and substantial because the rot on the inside is not visible. Jealousy is like this – lingering under the surface, brooding and undermining our peace and contentment.
Jealousy is usually unjust and unprovoked. It is self-centred because it is upset by another person’s happiness or good fortune. It certainly does not indicate that we want the best for that person nor are we showing them the love and respect they deserve.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” (1Cor 13:4) (NIVUK)
Karen Barclay
