The Test for Envy - Genesis 43

Pastor Matt Trewhella
Acts 7:9 states: “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt.” Joseph hadn’t caused their wicked actions towards him. The questions “Why did they do this to you? Why is he treating you this way? What did you do to cause it?” have no validity here as it was all rooted in envy. Joseph had not done them wrong to cause any of it. Remember what the Scripture says in Genesis 37:11 = “his brothers envied him.”

The Bible warns that envy can distort our perspective, lead to unwise decisions, and damage our relationships with others and with God. It is often associated with other negative traits such as selfish ambition and strife and deceit and manipulation. The scriptures encourage believers to focus on gratitude, contentment, and the unique blessings in their lives rather than comparing themselves to others.