Who Can Stand Before Jealousy?

Series: Proverbs

by David Apple June 20, 2014 Scripture: Proverbs 27:4

Proverbs 27:4  

Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy?

We all know how it feels to be angry and to have those emotions rage within. Some of us know the state of wrath when, vengeful, we want to get even with someone who has hurt us. Both anger and wrath can be strong and consuming, and the verse says, "Cruel and overwhelming."

Matthew Henry writes,

Wrath (it is true) is cruel, and does many a barbarous thing, and anger is outrageous; but a secret enmity at the person of another—an envy at his prosperity, and a desire of revenge for some injury or affront—are much more mischievous. One may avoid a sudden heat, as David escaped Saul's javelin, but when it grows, as Saul's did, to a settled envy, there is no standing before it; it will pursue; it will overtake. He that grieves at the good of another will be still contriving to do him hurt, and will keep his anger forever.

Colossians 3 encourages us to, "let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts." If our lives are at peace and we are content, there is no room for jealousy. God provides for our every need.

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