Scripture

A sound heart is life to the body,
But envy is rottenness to the bones.

~Proverbs 14:30, NKJV

Quote

It would be better to have bone cancer than to have an envious spirit.

~John Philips

The NET translates Proverbs 14:30 like this…A tranquil spirit revives the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones. The Hebrew word translated ‘envy’ here iin the NKJV is translated jealousy in the NASB and LSB. Technically, there is a difference between envy and jealousy. Envy is the unhappiness we feel when someone else has something or someone we covet; whereas jealousy is the fear of loss. Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, which is based on historical events, highlights the destructive power of envy. Caesar was a General in the army with some political ambitions. He was very popular and surrounded by friends or so it seemed. Among these friends were Brutus and Cassius. Unaware of their deep envy, Caesar goes before the Senate. When Brutus and Cassius come to greet Caesar, they both stab him with daggers they were hidden under their robs. Eighteen more conspirators will stab Caesar before he dies. Caesar thought that all twenty were his friends but they were all envious of his success and secretly loathed him.

Reminds me of an old proverb, “Beware when men constantly pat you on the back, they may be looking for a place to put the knife.” Every believer must beware of greed, lust, envy and jealousy. All four are very toxic and acidulous. It is true that Caesar died by the hands of his envious friends but they also died. Cassius and Brutus killed themselves literally. This means they found life not worth living. Envy destroyed them. Don’t mess with envy: it is lethal.

Years ago, thirty or more, I got bit by the envy bug. I was envious of another preacher whom the LORD was blessing. This man had become very prosperous; he drove a big car and lived in a big house. Of course I was driving a piece of junk and living in a pastorium. I had four kids and no money. Thank goodness the LORD convicted me until I had no peace. I repented of my envy. I even called my friend and apologized to him. He was very gracious. Envy is an acid that will make you bitter. Even if you are able to keep it hidden, it will destroy the tranquility of your heart. Bring it up out of the hull and throw it overboard today or it will eat a hole in the bottom of your ship and you will sink.

Extra

Thanksgiving week folks…Wow, has 2025 gone by quickly or what! I can’t believe it. We praise the LORD for the rain we got on Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning early. All together, it was more than an inch. It was wonderful but my yard here at the building is dry again. I think we may get some more rain tomorrow.

It cooled off during the night which is fine with me. I’ve been hot for three days. I run the air on my side of the Buick and June runs heat on her side. I hope you have a great week. I tried to down load a pic of the Luke-14 but was unable. This is one reason I am so late posting.

Luke 14–Great!

My second TG event was last night. I think we began the Luke-14 banquet in 1988 or 89. I know we were at the old church and John Harold drove the van or was going to until he and I caught it on fire. We began by feeding the Boys Ranch and the Children’s home. Boys Ranch closed some years ago and the Children’s home has been down sized and changed. Last night we fed the FIRST RESPONDERS and I think Eddie said we had 41 First Responders and their families. Well over 100 guest total and we had food left. A+ to DBC for job well done.