Cure for Envy
The cure for envy lies in living a life of true religion and cultivating a constant sense of the divine presence.
C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of envy, particularly when witnessing the prosperity of sinners, urging believers to focus on the fear of the Lord instead. He emphasizes that true understanding of the fate of the wicked should lead to pity rather than envy, as their apparent success is fleeting. The cure for envy lies in constant communion with God, which elevates our desires and clarifies our judgment. Spurgeon reassures that the godly will ultimately find peace and joy, contrasting their eternal reward with the temporary nature of worldly success. Thus, he encourages believers to cultivate contentment and let go of envy.
Text
Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cast off. (Proverbs 23:17-18)
When we see the wicked prosper we are apt to envy them. When we hear the noise of their mirth and our own spirit is heavy, we half think that they have the best of it. This is foolish and sinful. If we knew them better, and specially if we remembered their end, we should pity them.
The cure for envy lies in living under a constant sense of the divine presence, worshiping God and communing with Him all the day long, however long the day may seem. True religion lifts the soul into a higher region, where the judgment becomes more clear and the desires are more elevated. The more of heaven there is in our lives, the less of earth we shall covet. The fear of God casts out envy of men.
The deathblow of envy is a calm consideration of the future. The wealth and glory of the ungodly are a vain show. This pompous appearance flashes out for an hour and then is extinguished. What is the prosperous sinner the better for his prosperity when judgment overtakes him? As for the godly man, his end is peace and blessedness, and none can rob him of his joy; wherefore, let him forgo envy and be filled with sweet content.
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Envy
- The Cure for Envy
- The Deathblow of Envy
- Considering the future consequences of our actions
- The fleeting nature of worldly prosperity
Key Quotes
“The more of heaven there is in our lives, the less of earth we shall covet.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“The fear of God casts out envy of men.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“The deathblow of envy is a calm consideration of the future.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should strive to live a life of true religion, which lifts our souls into a higher region and gives us a clearer perspective on the fleeting nature of worldly prosperity.
- By living under a constant sense of the divine presence, we can overcome envy and find peace and contentment in our lives.
- A calm consideration of the future consequences of our actions can help us to overcome envy and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.