“Indeed, since there is among you jealousy and strife, are you not carnal, and do you not walk according to man?” 1 Corinthians 3:3
Jealousy is linked to selfishness or egocentrism, the first descendant of pride that we discussed in the first chapter. These traits show a person who is centered on themselves and seeks only their own interest. Jealousy in your life shows that you are seeking only your own benefit. When someone possesses something, it frustrates you and makes you think, “Why not me?” This is how some people begin to pry into others’ lives, eventually accusing their sisters of prostitution: “She has that thing because she’s prostituting herself.”

1. The Proud Are Very Jealous People Who Don’t Want Anyone to Surpass Them
   Jealousy causes the proud to always compare themselves to others or to be in constant competition with shadows. You must understand that there are people around you whom you will never surpass because of God’s grace upon their lives.

“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.” Matthew 25:14-15
The wealth of the richest in Bamako is minimal for someone. No matter your level, someone has surpassed you long ago.

2. The Jealous Person Believes the Other Is More Blessed Than They Are
   When their brother or sister testifies at church, they have a sour look. Jealous people cannot celebrate God for someone else’s blessing. If truly Jesus Christ is your Lord, you must be happy every time He accomplishes something, even when it’s not for you.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice.” Romans 12:15

3. Because of Jealousy, the Proud Easily Develop Hatred
   They hate their neighbors without cause, wanting to be the only ones to possess a particular thing. They hate others because they have what they would like to own. Jealousy is not the solution. Jealousy and hatred are roots of wickedness.
4. Because of Jealousy, the Proud Will Try to Harm the Person God Has Established to Help Them
   This is a big issue for us in Africa. In a country, we are many, but when we need to choose a king or a president, we will choose only one to help the people.
   Note that in every family, God has established pillars, people through whom the family will be saved; in every country, He has placed kings and presidents, and in the Church, He has placed pastors to give you access to a door! There is nothing He can do for us without going through someone. So, don’t have a bad heart; recognize the people God has given you.
5. Because of Jealousy, You Will Not Have Peace
   The Bible describes such people as wicked. If the demon of jealousy is in your life, you must fight against it. When jealousy reaches a certain level in your life, you must understand that there is a demon behind it.

“There is no peace for the wicked,” says the Lord. Isaiah 48:22

“There is no peace for the wicked,” says my God. Isaiah 57:21

In Christ, your peace does not depend on what you have, but rather on what the Holy Spirit communicates to you; He is the only one who can give us peace. This can only happen when you do not grieve the Holy Spirit.

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17

Peace is something the Holy Spirit gives to the Christian. Even if you have nothing in your pocket, even if you receive bad news or are threatened with death, you will be fearless because the Holy Spirit will keep your heart in peace. This can only happen when He is pleased with you. God does not look at the outward appearance of men, but He looks at the heart. If your heart is wicked, your life will be filled with trouble. All the wicked are under a curse. God has decided that they will not have peace. Every form of wickedness creates thorns that will prick you. Whenever you engage in a battle with another person, you will be deprived of peace. It is not without reason that Lord Jesus, in His word, tells us to love our enemies. We walk in God’s will for our own good. Let us be very careful with our hearts, what they meditate on, and speak often to our hearts because God looks at our hearts.

“The story of Cain and Abel shows how jealousy leads to murder. Cain’s jealousy drove him to kill his own brother simply because God had accepted Abel’s offering but not his. This shows how jealousy can destroy not only your relationship with others but also your relationship with God.” Genesis 4:4-10

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This text is an excerpt from the book “THE 12 DESCENDANTS OF PRIDE” written by Joseph André HOUNZ.

We invite you to read the following article “PRIDE: Arrogance.”