Henry Krabbendam - James - World Evangelical Alliance

It is sobering to realize that James emphasizes the heart in this context.
How easily it can be “hoodwinked!” Envy and selfish ambition are powerful
internal emotions that apparently have infiltrated, if not conquered, the very
mission control center of the various constituent elements of the congregation,
teachers, aspiring teachers, as well as members in general (See also
Keddie, 121). In fact, they are so powerful in their essence and impact that
only the grace of God can dislodge them and remove their influence! As we
unpack these concepts, this will become crystal clear. At any rate, it is sobering
if not frightening that Christians are not beyond this twin evil and can
(quickly and easily) fall victim to it.
First, then, what is envy? The term used in the Greek is semantically
neutral. It always indicates the presence of some kind of “fire.” When it is
used in a positive fashion, it stands for “zeal.” In that case it is heartwarming,
as well as life-warming. But here as in various other contexts
(Rom. 13:13; 2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20), especially in the light of its adjective,
“bitter,” 300 it has a negative connotation, and is best be translated as envy
(Martin, 130). It burns, rather than warms, and embitters rather than sweetens.
It always leaves burn-marks and resentment, at times very severely (Zodhiates,
II, 146).
Envy is to be distinguished from jealousy. I am jealous when I passionately
wish to attain something or gain someone precious. I am further jealous
when I passionately wish to retain or regain possession of what already belongs
to me (Num. 5:14; Deut. 5:8-9). I am jealous as well when I with the
same passion seek to restore an object or person to its original owner (2 Cor.
11:2). At any rate, jealousy is a strong emotion. If I am correct in my assessment
of the situation, jealousy is an emotion that is proper, and at times necessary.
However, if I am incorrect, because the objective of my striving is not
legitimate, and consequently my striving inappropriate, I stand condemned.
Envy, on the other hand, always stands condemned. It is forbidden by
the Tenth Commandment. I am envious when I passionately and illegitimately
wish to take possession of anything that belongs to someone else. It is
characteristic of envy that it grieves at someone’s enjoyment (Gen. 4:5-6),
rejoices at someone’s evil (Ps. 22:7), does not communicate or pass on that
which is good (Num. 11:28-29), and endeavors to “outshine” someone else
(Phil. 1:15). It is “the resentful and even hateful displeasure of the good fortune
or blessing of another” (Paul Benjamin, quoted in Keddie, 120). It is no
wonder that envy is called “rottenness of the bones” (Prov. 14:30). As such it
is self-destructive. As an emotion that does not allow anything to stand in its
way (Prov. 24:3), it also destroys others. If envy by itself already is such a
300 For the word “bitter,” compare James 3:11.
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