Two Kinds of Jealousy

Jealousy: Definition

Jealousy is an emotion that generally refers to the envy over what someone else has. Jealousy is a negative emotion that a person has for someone else's accomplishments, strengths, possessions, and their inability to have the same things.

It is perfectly fine to admire what others possess. However, it becomes jealousy when a person wants those things just because someone else has them. It becomes even worse when someone thinks he deserves those things more than the person who has them.

There are two kinds of jealousy in the scriptures.

1. God's Jealousy

“The Lord is a jealous and avenging God” (Nahum 1:2). That scripture indicates that God is jealous. God has everything. So why is God jealous?

Keep in mind that God is not jealous of anything you have or anything you can do. God becomes jealous when you give what belongs to Him to someone or something else.

According to the Bible, God's jealousy is justified, even though people might think God has nothing to be jealous of.

Usually, we use the word “jealousy” only to describe a bad reaction. However, God's jealousy is appropriate and good. His jealousy is to defend His word and His honor.

God's jealousy is appropriate and does not lead to sin. The type of jealousy that God has is justified. God has the right to be jealous. God said it twice, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:2 and Deuteronomy 5:6).

It is appropriate for God to insist on complete honor and loyalty. He wants allegiance to Him and to Him alone. God wants and deserves undivided devotion. If He doesn't get what He wants and deserves, God defends His word and His high honor.

2. Human Jealousy

Human jealousy is not appropriate. To be jealous is to be selfish. Not only do you want what someone else has, but you also refuse to admit that someone else deserves it.

Human jealousy can destroy relationships and friendships. The most damaging thing about jealousy is that it can lead to sin. Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers is a good example of what happens when someone is jealous of another (Genesis 37-50).

When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister (Genesis 30:1). According to this scripture, a human is jealous of what someone else can do.

Keep in mind that human jealousy is not limited to what someone else has. It includes what someone else can do or do better than another. For instance, if you are a gymnast who excels in every competition and your competitors can't do what you do, then they might become jealous.

Explanation of the Differences

God's jealousy is not that God is envious because someone has something He wants or needs. God is jealous when someone gives to another something that rightly belongs to Him.

The use of the word “jealous” is different when God says He is jealous. What He is jealous of belongs to Him and Him alone. Those things are worship, praise, honor, and adoration, for only He is truly worthy of them.

Human jealousy is the envy of someone who has something another does not have. Jealousy is a sin when it is a desire for something that does not belong to you.

When Someone Is Jealous of You

The best weapon for jealousy is the same whether someone is jealous of you or if you are jealous of someone.

If someone is jealous of you, keep on loving that person. Saul was jealous of David. However, David didn't do harm to Saul when he could have done so. David continued to be kind toward Saul.

When You Are Jealous of Someone

When you are the one who is jealous of someone, do the same as when someone is jealous of you.

Even if you are jealous of someone, continue to love the person. Be like David. Do what he did. Love will always overcome jealousy.

Survey: Is anyone jealous of you?

• 58% YES
• 42% NO

Survey: Are you jealous of someone?

• 28% YES
• 72% NO