Jealousy is an evil spirit that seeks to enter all hearts

                                                                                                                Who can resist jealousy?

Dr. Bill Edgar, Former Chairman of the Geneva College Board of Trustees, Past President of the Geneva College, and longtime pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPNCA)

Proverbs 27:4 – Anger is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can resist jealousy?

I recently heard a seminary professor's warning to his students: “It is not the success of the retired pastor of your church that you should fear. He wants you to succeed. He's the failed pastor you need to beware of. When a man who has failed in your job sees Lady Success looking favorably upon you after despising him, jealousy can possess him and make him an enemy. Likewise, before playing with another man's wife, remember Jealousy, Shakespeare's green-eyed monster (Othello, Acts 3, Scene 3, 165-171). “He who commits adultery lacks common sense; whoever does it destroys himself. He will be hurt and dishonored, and his disgrace will not be erased. Jealousy angers a man, and he will not spare when he takes revenge (Proverbs 6:32-34). Who can resist jealousy?

Anger can be cruel and overwhelming anger. Indeed, they can sweep everything in front of them to instant destruction, like a tsunami hitting the coast. "The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20)." Nevertheless, anger usually passes quickly, much like the waters of a tsunami quickly recede to the ocean after wreaking havoc. Those who survive its sudden onslaught will live, just as the person angry with you today may well become your friend tomorrow. Another difference: unlike jealousy, anger rarely hides. Instead, it flares up loudly, so you know to be careful. Jealousy, however, like its cousin envy, can hide and last for years, plotting and scheming, a silent assassin. He is an enemy often undetected until ready to strike, with weapons subtle like whispered slander or violent like murder.

Knowing the danger of jealousy, a wise man will refrain from provoking it. In particular, he will avoid stealing friends or wives, or husbands from others. If he is successful in work or friendship, he will be alert to the possibility of envy directed against him. Anger will decrease. A gift can turn him away (Proverbs 21:14). But gifts will not appease jealousy. The man whose wife you have seduced, or whose wife has seduced you, that man “will not accept any compensation; he will refuse if you multiply the gifts (Proverbs 6:35).

Young and naïve people detect anger quickly, but they may be oblivious to jealousy. Older, more experienced people should warn them about jealousy, its causes, how it works, how to avoid it, and how dangerous and long-lasting it can be. This warning is the purpose of this proverb: you already know all about the dangers of anger, but beware of jealousy. Who can stand before him?