On envy

Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own. ~Harold Coffin

Sometimes in life, we come across people who are so empty, within, that they have nothing but malevolence to offer even though you reach out in love and friendship. I've been crossing paths with one such, in the last couple of weeks. Not the first of it's kind though... but every time, i am left perplexed and i have to confess, a little hurt. After giving it a good thought, as to whether i am arousing this effect, and on finding that its totally unreasonable and senseless...i find my peace in attributing the behaviour to rivalry / jealousy.

There is an English proverb: "Envy shoots at others and wounds itself." Balzac has said that envy is the most stupid of vices, for there is no single advantage to be gained from it.

One of the truest marks of possessing great qualities is being born without envy and i have to add, i am honoured to know atleast a handful of such blessed souls. Bible classifies envy as one of the seven deadly sins. It is one of the transgressions that causes not death of the body but of the soul. The Bible also says in Proverbs 14:30 that a tranquil spirit revives the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.

Personally, i think immaturity is one of the main triggers of jealousy along with false pride and insecurity. R's remedy is to focus on the good qualities of everyone and to deflect all negativity by always being good. It is sound advice and i have been practising it.

Search your hearts, folks...what do you find in there?