Envyings
Bishop Beveridge., G. Brooks., Socrates. Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,… I. IN WHAT CONSISTS THE SINFULNESS OF ENVY. 1. It is contrary to God's command (Romans 13:13; 1 Peter 2:1). 2. Repining at God's providence and goodness. 3. The fruit of pride. 4. The root of confusion and evil (James 3:16). 5. The cause of hatred. II. HAVE A CARE OF IT. 1. Thou art never the worse for others being better. 2. Envy makes him never the worse, nor thee the better. 3. Thou hast more cause to rejoice than to be troubled at another's goodness. 4. Thy envying God's goodness to others may hinder it to thyself. (Bishop Beveridge.) I. ITS NATURE. 1. Its object is something good, natural, or acquired, even religious excellence. 2. Something in the possession of another which is grudged and desired, 3. Something not altogether unattainable. II. ITS PROPERTIES. 1. It is common. 2. Odious. 3. Destructive. III. ITS CURE. 1. A scriptural estimate of the objects which excite envy. They are not so valuable as they appear to be. 2. A just opinion of ourselves. We do not deserve as much as we imagine. 3. An entire change of heart. Application: 1. Do not needlessly provoke envy. 2. Do not wickedly indulge it. 3. Do net basely fear it. 4. Do not angrily resent it. (G. Brooks.)Envy is the daughter of pride, the author of revenge and murder, the beginning of sedition and the perpetual tormentor of virtue. (Socrates.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, WEB: Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,