We hear words like, "You are lucky," "I wish I had what you have," "It's not fair," and so on from those who see what you do and what you have. It is not everyone who congratulates you and says you have earned that skill or wealth. God knew that the hearts of mankind as influenced by Satan would tend towards thinking things are not fair and therefore become jealous with envy.

Paul noted that envy comes from obsession over that which we do not possess and may want (1 Timothy 6:4). The tenth commandment about lusting and coveting is entwined with envy and jealousy. This attitude is an ungodly one and needs to be conquered. It is a matter of the mind, and we are called to change the thinking that is offensive to God. Rejoice in the good fortune of others and work to gain your own. Riches cannot only be counted in dollars and cents—but rather in contentment and love (1 Timothy 6:11-12).