Jealousy

“Jealousy is the only vice that gives no pleasure.” –anonymous

Jacob gave his son Joseph a coat of many colors, and Joseph’s brothers became filled with jealousy.  They tricked Joseph, sold him into slavery, and ripped his coat apart. They lied to Jacob, saying a wild animal had eaten Joseph.  Perhaps the brothers had thought somehow that acting on their jealousy would make Jacob love them more.  On the contrary, all this did was bring Jacob grief.  Here’s the lesson. Jealousy is not any indication of the potency of our feelings for someone; it is only an indication of our insecurities.  Sometimes we may deal with bouts of jealousy, but if we trust that our loved ones really do love us, then we won’t cause others headache for it. 

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones (Proverbs 14:30, NLT).