Worse Than a Bad Temper

(Proverbs 27:4 KJV)  Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

This verse seems to be saying that “envy” (jealousy NASB) (7068) is worse than “anger” (639).  Why?  My first connection was with the Love Chapter, I Corinthians 13.  Jealousy is the third behavior on the list in the NASB.  It is one of my struggles at the moment.

(1 Corinthians 13:4 NAS77)  Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,

Later on it deals with anger but with an interesting twist that might give us an insight.

(1 Corinthians 13:5 KJV)  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

The word “anger” is not used but anger is something that is provoked.  The provocation may not be worthy of the response but in our minds we are reacting to what others have done.  Jealousy tends to be caused by wanting what others have.  Jealousy is much more subtle and easier to hide.

Sometimes we think that if we avoid one sinful action we can slide with the others.  If we don’t have a temper it is easy to look down on those who do and ignore our jealousies.  Righteousness is not on a point system.  One reason people don’t like the idea of righteousness is that it applies to all of life, not just the rules churches come up with.

So?  Put jealousy on your list of concerns.  For me it expresses itself in feelings of outrage because I imagine I have it harder than others.  For you it might be something more classical like being a jealous husband.  Think about it.