Proverbs 27:4:

Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy?

King Saul grew insanely jealous of David because of David’s success and the praise people heaped upon him. Before long, Saul made plans to murder David. Eventually Saul’s daughter Michal, who was also David’s wife, helped David escape (1 Samuel 19).

The sin of wrath is certainly cruel, and anger can absolutely overwhelm us and those we love; and the Bible warns us about it in many passages.  We are aware that sin is sin, and that none is less evil than another in God’s sight. But this verse suggests that jealousy may be the most overwhelming of all. Many other verses also give plenty of warning about the sin of jealousy (for example, Galatians 5:19-21). Proverbs 6:34  warns that jealousy provokes anger to the point of rage. Anyone who has experienced it personally, or witnessed it in someone else has seen that this is certainly the case.  It is a failing that the Christian must control in himself or herself.

Verse 7 says:

One who is full loathes honey,
but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet

Certainly not all, but some of those who have abundance in the way of wealth and earthly possessions have little or no appreciation for some of the things in life that those who have little would delight in. By the same token, many of us who were “raised in the church” run the risk of taking for granted the blessings that being a Christian bring to our lives, while there is a world full of those who would greedily drink from that cup, if they only knew. It is our job to offer that knowledge at all times.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

___________________

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.