⏱ 7 min read

Proverbs 27 provides several doses of wisdom for successful living amidst the uncertainties of life. However, one verse interestingly captures my attention and sends me into a deep search of my heart.

“Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous.” – Proverbs 27:4

Anger is bad!

The Bible is replete with several cautions against anger and its effects. Firstly, our Heavenly Father acknowledges that we are human, and so may go through some moments of hurt and displeasure.

However, He is quick to put in a disclaimer! “Be angry, but do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Eph 4:26).

Anger blinds judgment, causing one to act in a cruel or unlikely manner. Often times this leads to deep regrets (Read Prov. 29:22 and Gen 34:1-31).

In as much us the Lord acknowledges our frailty, the Bible admonishes us to have dominion over anger and refrain from its causes and effects (Prov. 14:17,29, 16:32; 19:11, Jas. 1:19-20).

“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).

Jealousy is worse!

“The heart is deceitful above all things and it is extremely sick; Who can understand it fully and know its secret motives?” Jeremiah 17:9.

• The Collins Dictionary defines Jealousy as the feeling of bitterness. This feeling arises when someone wishes they could have the qualities or possessions that another person has.
• Red Alert! It’s the B word! BITTERNESS.
• Jealousy/Bitterness/Envy represents a poisoned state of heart which results in thoughts or feelings of insecurity.
• It also results in unnecessary concern over a relative lack of possession, power, position or advantage.

• Jealousy requires no negative provocation from the victim. Unlike anger, it does not leave so long as the advantage remains.
• Dangerously, jealousy can be hidden deep in the heart and covered with the best of outward composure.
• Jealousy can creep in subtly from a mere admiration into an intense or evil desire to replicate or surpass at all cost.
• Jealousy/Bitterness/Envy is a fruit of the devil and sinful (Read James 3:14-16, Isa 14:14; 1 Tim 3:6).

James 3:14-16
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 
Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

• It has the potential to blind you from the purpose of God and cut you off from the grace of God. Therefore, it should be fought head on by regular assessments of your motives before it gains root in your heart (Hebrews 12:15).

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” Psalms 139:23-24.

Take the G-R-A-C-E Pill

“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” – Hebrews 4:15-16

G-et your praise on.

Give praise and thanks to God. Be grateful for what and where you are on your way to where you are going (1 Thes 5:18). Understand that your journey is for His glory (Dan 4:35, Rom 11:36). Be content!

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thes 5:18

R-est in the Lord.

• “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you …” Jer. 1:5.
• Dear friend, God knows exactly where and what you are.
• You are fearfully and wonderfully made and never inferior.
• Embrace the plans of God for your life and don’t jump your process (Is 40:31, Prov. 3:5, Josh 1:9, Jer 29:11, Rom 8:28).

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.

A-sk the Holy Spirit for help.

• The Holy Spirit is available to teach and help us in our Christian walk.
• Allow for fellowship with the Holy Spirit so you can bear good fruits (John 14:26, Gal. 5:22).
• Being genuinely happy for others irrespective of the past or present is a virtue of the Spirit.

John 14:26 
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

C-arve your niche!

• Why strive to be someone at all costs when you can build your personal style?
• Healthy motivation to do better is good. However, don’t allow unhealthy competition to restrict or redirect your course (Phil 2:3, Rom 12:2).
• Remember it is an individual race!

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.

E-mbrace good health.

• The poison of jealousy is like toxic fuel for stress and can eat your heart until it has consumed your life.
• This constant state of stress leads to ill heart conditions and a weakened immune system (Prov 14:30, Prov 15:13).

Anger destroys in the moment; Jealousy destroys as long as it lasts. So for you and I, it’s NONE OF THE ABOVE!!!

~ Deaconess Denise Samuella Oppong (Denise Samuella Boadu)

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