Envy
Pity and Pray for Oppressive Leaders—Because of the wrong
actions of those in positions of trust, do not let envious feelings fill
your heart. They are to be judged according to the deeds done in the
body. You only need to pity and pray for them. The Lord knows every
dishonest transaction, and will award them according as their work
shall be. The Lord rewards every unselfish action. Pray with heart and
soul and voice, “O God, impress more deeply upon my mind and heart
the principles of thy holy law, which is the transcript of thy character.
Let me by faith grasp the exceeding great and precious promises, that
I may not in my duty and work fail or be discouraged, but perfect
holiness in thy fear.”—
Letter 178, 1899
, p. 9 (November 6, 1899).
Envy Offspring of Pride—Though Saul was ever on the alert
for an opportunity to destroy David, he stood in fear of him, since it
was evident that the Lord was with him. David’s blameless character
aroused the wrath of the king; he deemed that the very life and presence
of David cast a reproach upon him, since by contrast it presented his
own character to disadvantage. It was envy that made Saul miserable
and put the humble subject of his throne in jeopardy. What untold
mischief has this evil trait of character worked in our world! The
same enmity existed in the heart of Saul that stirred the heart of Cain
against his brother Abel, because Abel’s works were righteous, and
God honored him, and his own works were evil, and the Lord could
not bless him. Envy is the offspring of pride, and if it is entertained in
the heart, it will lead to hatred, and eventually to revenge and murder.
Satan displayed his own character in exciting the fury of Saul against
him who had never done him harm.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 651
.
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