Envy … lack of contentment
Editor’s Note: This is the third in a seven-part series, “Seven for the Season,” focusing on the Seven Deadly Sins.
Envy, according to www.deadlysins.com is the desire for others’ traits, status, abilities or situation.
Merriam Webster Dictionary says it is the painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage.
The three major religions basically agree that where there is envy, there is lack of contentment.
Christianity, for instance, explains the sin of envy in the Gospel, ”Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a man’s life does not consist of his possessions (Luke 12:15).”
Envy — covetousness — is also addressed in the 10 Commandments.
According to Beliefnet.com’s Seven Deadly Sins series, Islam also has strong words to say about envy. According to the site, the Quran warns against envy, encouraging believers to be satisfied with their lot: “And do not covet what we bestowed upon any other people. Such are temporary ornaments of this life, whereby we put them to the test. What your Lord provides for you is far better, and everlasting.
According to the site, Jewish texts explain that envy is not just wanting what one doesn’t have. It includes these qualities: longing for another’s possessions, discontent with one’s possessions because one prefers those of another, and the appropriation of the property of another.
It gives us something to think about this holiday season. When money is tight or circumstances are not ideal (ill health, job loss), will you look at your neighbors lot with envy in your heart or will you be content where you are?
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