Insidious is defined as operating or proceeding in an inconspicuous or seemly harmless way but actually with grave effect: source Dictionary.com
I started off today’s devotion with a definition so that my intent will be clear.
Job 5:2 For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.
Proverbs 3:31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
Ezekiel 35:11 Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord God, I will even do according to thine anger, and according to thine envy which thou hast used out of thy hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I have judged thee.
Envy is insidious. It decays the soul from the inside with but a tiny spot on the surface. It is such a little thing. Surely such a little thing cannot do such harm? But it does. It can hide behind humility and cause root decay. It does not have to show itself outwardly like anger and is more dangerous because of it.
It steals joy and gratitude yet does not quiet the music or the singing. Its speech can be confident and misleading. “I am so happy for you.” “The Lord has blessed you.” “Isn’t that wonderful.” All the while it eats at you soul with quiet distain and contempt.
Envy is not vain, it works its insidious delights in the depths of the heart. It will not allow the heart to love as the Lord intended, with all sincerity and selfless service.
James 3:13-17 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Envy is insidious.