It’s #FiveMinuteFriday and the word prompt is GREEN.
Green. With Envy. When the Green-Eyed Monster Keeps Hanging Around
Why is the color green associated with being envious or jealous of another person? Way back in the day, I mean way back to the 16th and 17th centuries, even Shakespeare used the term in his writings about characters who suffered with the disease of jealousy. He used it at least three times in Othello where lago refers to the green-eyed monster. In Merchant of Venice he talked about green-eyed jealousy and in Anthony and Cleopatra he mentions a green sickness.
“O! Beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” — Othello
But even more important than Shakespeare is the Word of God and it is very pointed about what happens to a person who suffers with the Green Sickness.
“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” James 3:14-16 ESV.
Wow. If you have trouble with jealousy and envy, the Bible says this does NOT come from above, it is not of God! It is earthly, unspiritual and even demonic. If jealousy and selfish ambition are in your heart, in your life, there will be CHAOS. So specific is the Word that it says “every vile practice”.
Living a life immersed in the Word and walking in the Spirit produces just the opposite. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17.
Isn’t it so much easier to walk with the Lord and fill our hearts and minds with the good things of God instead of being wrapped up in what others have and we do not have? Why do we care where THEY go, what THEY wear and who THEY hang around with? We have a full time job taking care of ourselves and making sure we are right with God; we do not have time to be eaten up with envy.
Did I mention that the color green was also associated with being sick? Even before Shakespeare, it was thought that you turned green when you were sick, some saying that the body produced too much bile and then caused the body to turn green.
Interesting thought. Envy and jealousy begin on the inside but literally OOZES out through our pores and skin, showing up on the outside in our demeanor, attitude and actions.
Let us focus on what God wants for us and what we can do for others instead of being consumed with material possessions or positions. If we are secure in Christ, focused on His will, we will have all we need.
Sharing with Modest Mondays
Thank you so much Chrisi…forgive my delay in responding. I have to remind myself sometimes that I have not said how thankful I am or tell someone else. We need reminders! Blessings to you for visiting. ♥
Amen, Sharon! The grass is NOT always greener ♥ So good to have you as always.
It is an easy trap, Cheryl. You are right that cutting it off at the root is the key. Thank you so much for stopping by and forgive me for being so late in responding. So glad you are here!
This is a wonderful reminder. The best way to conquer the green eyed monster is to battle with the truth. Great insights and I am I BIG believer in gratitude and counting your blessings! Thank you for sharing!
Oh, jealousy is a monster indeed! And it can start in the most subtle ways, growing fast as a weed, until it consumes us. We must be vigilant and fight against it taking root. The Lord asks us to follow Him, and doing that means that we keep our eyes focused on Him, and not on the *greener grass* on the other side of the fence!!
GOD BLESS!
I was thinking about jealousy as I was considering green. Great solution to jealousy–counting your blessings. I’m so glad to have read this because jealousy is an easy trap. It takes but a glance, and jealousy can take root unless those jealous thoughts are held captive.