The concept of Envy in Christianity
Envy, as described by Christianity, is a detrimental emotion that should be denied to foster a spiritually fulfilling life. It is seen as a capital vice, characterized by sadness when witnessing another's good fortune, which can lead to hatred and discontent. This negative emotion is perceived as a threat to one's own well-being, fostering resentment and discontent toward others' advantages. Early Christianity highlights envy as a recurring theme that can instigate persecution and conflict, urging individuals to guard against it for community harmony.
Synonyms: Jealousy, Resentment, Covetousness, Spite, Grudge, Desire, Longing, Yearning, Bitterness, Green-eyed monster
In Dutch: Jaloezie; In Finnish: Kateus; In Spanish: Envidiar; In German: Neid; In Swedish: Avundas; In Malay: Iri hati; In French: Envie
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Envy'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Envy, associated with the mind of the flesh, is the feeling of discontent or resentment caused by someone else's success, possessions, or advantages.[1] (2) The name also has a potential to mean that the individual was characterized by feelings of jealousy, which could manifest in various forms and relationships.[2] (3) Envy is mentioned in the context of those who do not give heed to wholesome words, and the apostle warns against provoking one another and envying one another.[3] (4) This is a negative emotion that led to the persecution and death of righteous figures, as the text suggests, and it is a recurring theme.[4] (5) This is identified as something to guard against, with the text pointing out that the originator of it is the devil, and Cain also demonstrated this negative trait.[5]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) The text describes it as a vice opposed to the joy of charity, and it is further characterized as sorrow for another's good, which can lead to hatred.[6] (2) This is the opposite of joy about our neighbor’s good, and is one of the vices that is considered in relation to the joy of charity.[7] (3) Envy is a kind of sorrow experienced when a person perceives another's good fortune as a personal misfortune, particularly when that good fortune diminishes their own reputation or standing.[8] (4) A capital vice involving sadness about another's good fortune, seen as a threat to one’s own well-being.[9]
From: The city of God
(1) The neighboring kings and states took arms and assaulted the Romans due to envy, which is a feeling of discontent and ill will towards others.[10]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) A characteristic that can begin conflicts and wars, stemming from fierce, argumentative, and combative individuals.[11] (2) Envy is to be denied, indicating the necessity to abstain from this detrimental emotion, promoting a more righteous and spiritually centered existence.[12]
The concept of Envy in local and regional sources
Envy, as described in the text, is categorized as a type of sin, reflecting the negative emotional state that arises from desiring what others possess, ultimately leading to moral and spiritual implications.
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) This was a type of sin.[13]