What are the seven deadly sins?

[Patriot]

What does the Bible say about envy?​

ANSWER

A simple definition of envy is “to want what belongs to someone else.” A more thorough description of envy is “a resentful, dissatisfied longing for another’s possessions, position, fortune, achievements, or success.” The Bible says envy is an act of the flesh, the result of human sin: “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19–21; see also Romans 1:29; 1 Peter 2:1–2).

Envy and jealousy are closely related and sometimes used interchangeably in modern Bible translations, but they are not quite synonymous. Envy is a reaction to lacking something that another person possesses. Jealousy is a reaction to the fear or threat of losing something, or often someone, we possess. Envy is the distress or resentment we feel when others have what we have not. Jealousy is the sense of dread or suspicion we feel when what we have might be taken away. There is such a thing as godly jealousy (see 2 Corinthians 11:2), but the Bible never speaks of envy in a good light.

Another word in the Bible closely associated with envy is covetousness. To covet is to have an excessive desire to possess what belongs to another. Usually related to tangible items like property, covetousness is an intense craving or selfish desire that threatens the fundamental rights of others (Exodus 20:17; Joshua 7:21).

The first bout of envy in the Bible surfaces in the story of Cain and Abel. Cain, the older brother, killed Abel out of envy because God looked with favor on the younger brother’s sacrifice but did not accept Cain’s offering (Genesis 4:3–5). Later, Esau envied his brother, Jacob, because of the blessing his father Isaac had given him (Genesis 27:41). Rachel envied her sister because Leah gave birth to Jacob’s sons while Rachel remained childless (Genesis 30:1). Saul envied David for his success in battle and his popularity among the people (1 Samuel 15:6–16). The Jewish leaders had Jesus arrested because they were seized with envy (Mark 15:10).

The Bible paints a vivid picture of envy’s devastating effects. If left to grow in one’s heart, envy will lead to spiritual, emotional, and physical death: “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30). Here the New Living Translation likens envy to “cancer in the bones.” And in James 3:14–16, we find this stern warning about the sin of envy: “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

Envy is an issue of the heart. Jesus taught that purity and godliness come from inside a person and not from external actions (Mark 7:14–15). Envy is one of many inward vices or heart attitudes that defile a person: “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, . . . deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you” (Mark 7:20–23, NLT).

First Corinthians 13:4 states, “Love does not envy.” If we are envious of our brothers and sisters in Christ, then we do not love them. The love of Christ is void of selfish ambition and desire (Philippians 2:3–8). Christians are called to dispense with envy: “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind” (1 Peter 2:1). How do we accomplish this? Believers in Jesus Christ have died to sin and have been made alive by the Spirit of God (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3; Romans 6:7–11). In a real sense, the struggle between the sin nature and the Spirit continues, but Christians have power through the indwelling Holy Spirit to strengthen them in the fight.

Paul taught in Galatians 5:16–26 that, if we walk by the Spirit, live by the Spirit, and stay in step with the Spirit, our lives will bear the fruit of the Spirit: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other” (verses 25–26).

The root of envy is a dissatisfied heart. We experience envy when we cannot have what our heart desires. We have not yet learned the secret of contentment (Philippians 4:10–13), of delighting ourselves in the Lord. The most effective way to avoid envy is to trust in the Lord and delight in Him: “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:3–6).

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Landmines in the Path of the Believer: Avoiding the Hidden Dangers by Charles F. Stanley

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[Patriot]

What are some Bible verses about envy?​

ANSWER

Proverbs 14:30
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Exodus 34:14
(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),

Proverbs 23:17
Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.

Galatians 5:26
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

James 3:16
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

1 Peter 2:1
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant

Proverbs 24:1
Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them,

Titus 3:3
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

Mark 7:20-23
And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

1 Timothy 6:4
He is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions,

Proverbs 24:19
Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked,

Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

Romans 1:29
They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,

Ecclesiastes 4:4
Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Job 5:2
Surely vexation kills the fool, and jealousy slays the simple.

1 Corinthians 3:3
For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

Mark 15:10
For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.

Ezekiel 35:11
Therefore, as I live, declares the Lord God, I will deal with you according to the anger and envy that you showed because of your hatred against them. And I will make myself known among them, when I judge you.

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Special thanks to OpenBible.info for the data on the most well-known Bible verses.

​

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

The MacArthur Topical Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to Every Major Topic Found in the Bible

More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

​

 

[septuagint]

 

[Patriot]

How is envy rottenness to the bones (Proverbs 14:30)?​

ANSWER

Self-centeredness is the prevailing attitude of all sin. Ironically, when we have an unhealthy inward focus—when life revolves around our own interests and desires, we set ourselves on a course to self-destruct. Envy is fueled by selfishness. It involves a bitter, dissatisfied longing to possess things, achievements, or successes that belong to others. The Bible is adamant about envy’s self-destructive nature: “A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones” (Proverbs 14:30, NKJV). Some translations state that envy is “like cancer in the bones” (NLT) or “like bone cancer” (GW).

The Hebrew word translated as “envy” in Proverbs 14:30 describes an intense and sometimes violent emotion or insatiable desire. The term is closely associated with jealousy, anger, and zeal. Bones refers to the status of the whole person. The bones are the seat of one’s health and strength. Thus, rottenness in the bones is a state of moral, spiritual, and physical decay. Nurturing an attitude of envy is rottenness to the bones because it is detrimental to a person’s body, mind, spirit, and soul. It is like a disease that eats away a person’s moral strength, weakens the body, and eventually leads to death. Elsewhere, the Bible affirms that our passionate emotions directly affect our physical condition. “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit,” states Solomon (Proverbs 15:13; see also Proverbs 15:30; 17:22; and 18:14).

The Bible allows for no doubt that envy is a sin that must be avoided (Romans 1:29; Titus 3:3; 1 Peter 2:1–2). The apostle Paul names envy among the “acts of the flesh” (ESV) or “desires of the sinful nature” (NLT) and warns “that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19–21, NLT). Jesus says that envy is a sin of the heart: “For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you” (Mark 7:21–23, NLT).

James warns against harboring “bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:14–16).

A person consumed with envy has no peace of mind or health in body or spirit. Envy is the opposite of contentment and tranquility. Paul tells Timothy that “godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:6–9, ESV).

Envy reveals a lack of trust in God. For this reason, the writer of Hebrews urges, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). If we place our hope and confidence in God, He becomes our “portion” (Psalm 73:26; 142:5) and everything we need (2 Peter 1:3–4). Like David, we shall want for nothing because our cup overflows with goodness and mercy throughout our lives as we live in God’s presence forever (Psalm 23). If we seek the Lord and delight ourselves in Him, He gives us the desires of our hearts, and we lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10; 37:4).

Envy divides people and breaks up families (Luke 15:25–32; Genesis 37:4–11), but love is patient, kind, and does not envy (1 Corinthians 13:4). Envy is rottenness to the bones because it signals a lack of love and an absence of light. God calls us to “live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8) and “put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh” (Romans 13:12–14).

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Proverbs: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom & Psalms by Tremper Longman

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[Patriot]

What is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking?​

ANSWER

Both envy and jealousy are listed in the Bible as sins to avoid along with greed, slander, and anger (2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20–21; Mark 7:21–23). Although similar, and although they are often experienced together, envy and jealousy are not exactly synonymous.

In some contexts, envy and jealousy are interchangeable terms, because both relate to covetousness. The same word translated “envious” in the NASB in Matthew 20:15 is translated “jealous” in the NLT. When we want something that belongs to someone else, we can be described as either “envious” or “jealous.” For example, saying “I envy my neighbor’s new fence” is the same as saying “I am jealous of my neighbor’s new fence.”

The difference between envy and jealousy is a fine one. Envy always has an outward focus: we desire some item, person, or attribute possessed by someone else, and we are discontent or resentful about not having it. Jealousy is often found in a more restricted context of the protection of one’s own items or relationships, especially romantic relationships (Proverbs 6:34). You can envy someone else for his girlfriend, but someone flirting with your own girlfriend makes you jealous, not envious. In fact, the word jealous can carry the meaning of “zealous vigilance” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 2015).

First Kings 21:1–16 relates the story of King Ahab and his coveting the property of his neighbor, Naboth. Whether we call Ahab’s sin envy or jealousy, the result was the same: Naboth was murdered, and Ahab was held to account (verses 17–19).

The tenth commandment addresses envy and jealousy by forbidding covetousness (Exodus 20:17). In contrast to the sin of envy or jealousy, 1 Timothy 6:6 says that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” Envy or jealousy is the enemy of contentment because we cannot live in grateful contentment when focused on what we don’t have.

The biblical difference between envy and jealousy is that, in certain circumstances, jealousy can be a positive thing. Envy is never presented as positive. The type of jealousy defined as “zealous vigilance” is the unhappy or angry feeling caused when what rightfully belongs to us is being threatened. This is the type of jealousy mentioned by the bride in Song of Solomon 8:6: “Love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.” It is the type of jealousy Paul wrote of in 2 Corinthians 11:2: “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.” Paul saw the Corinthian believers slipping in their devotion to Christ, and, as a loving husband would jealously guard his wife’s affections, so Paul jealously guarded the hearts of his spiritual children. The Bible also portrays God as having loving jealousy over His children (Psalm 78:58; Zechariah 8:2).

Envy and jealousy, when viewed as synonyms, are sins. Psalm 73:1–3 reminds us of the dangers of envying the wicked. Acts 7:9 identifies jealousy as the root cause of Jacob’s sons’ mistreatment of their brother Joseph. When we desire what God has not given us, our hearts harden toward Him. Envy or jealousy can blind us to reality and make us believe the lie, as Eve did, that God is holding out on us (Genesis 3). Envy unchecked can result in walking away from God in order to meet our desires in our own way. Jealousy unchecked can result in bitterness toward those God has called us to love (John 13:34; 1 Peter 1:22; Hebrews 12:15). Both envy and jealousy are dangerous to our well-being and to our fruitfulness for God’s kingdom (John 15:1–8).

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Landmines in the Path of the Believer: Avoiding the Hidden Dangers by Charles F. Stanley

More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

 

[Patriot]

What does it mean that love does not envy (1 Corinthians 13:4)?​

ANSWER

First Corinthians 13 offers one of the Bible’s richest expositions regarding love. Verse 4 notes that love “does not envy.” So, selfish jealousy is at odds with God’s type of love.

The Greek word translated “envy” means “to burn with zeal.” Literally, the sense is “to be heated or to boil over with envy, hatred, or anger.” In the context of 1 Corinthians 13, the idea is that love does not focus on personal desires. It is not eager to increase possessions. God’s type of love is selfless, not selfish.

Envy is the opposite of God’s command not to covet (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21). “Love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10). The one who truly loves will be in conformity to the Ten Commandments, and envy will be excluded.

In contrast to God’s command, the Corinthian believers were ranking some spiritual gifts as more important than others and envying those who had the “best” gifts. In chapter 12, Paul points out that the different gifts are meant to serve one another and build up the church. No one person has all the gifts, but each child of God has at least one, and love demands that each gift be used to serve others rather than self.

“Envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30). When we crave what someone else has rather than being grateful for what God has given, we hurt ourselves. Instead of envying others, we are called to love them.

True love—God’s love—rejoices when others are blessed. There is no room for envy. Love does not seek to benefit itself and it is content with what it has, because its focus is on meeting the needs of the loved one.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Love Is: Meditations for Couples on 1 Corinthians 13 by Les & Leslie Parrott

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[Patriot]

What does it mean that love does not envy (1 Corinthians 13:4)?​

Got Questions Ministries




"What does it mean that love does not envy (1 Corinthians 13:4)? What does 'love does not envy' mean in terms of how I show love to others?

 

[beensetfree]

Seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness​

Those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Whoever of you loves life and
desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.

Psalm 34:10-13 NIV


__________________

A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD:
but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

A man shall not be established by wickedness:
but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

Proverbs 12:2,3 KJV





__________________

Do not worry then, saying, "What will we eat?' or "What will we drink?' or "What will we wear for clothing?'

"For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:31-34 NASB


__________________

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.

 

[beensetfree]

“Search the Scriptures.”

John 5:39

The Greek word here rendered search signifies a strict, close, diligent, curious search, such as men make when they are seeking gold, or hunters when they are in earnest after game. We must not rest content with having given a superficial reading to a chapter or two, but with the candle of the Spirit we must deliberately seek out the hidden meaning of the word. Holy Scripture requires searching—much of it can only be learned by careful study.

There is milk for babes, but also meat for strong men. The rabbis wisely say that a mountain of matter hangs upon every word, yea, upon every title of Scripture. Tertullian exclaims, “I adore the fulness of the Scriptures.” No man who merely skims the book of God can profit thereby; we must dig and mine until we obtain the hid treasure. The door of the word only opens to the key of diligence.




The Scriptures claim searching. They are the writings of God, bearing the divine stamp and imprimatur — who shall dare to treat them with levity? He who despises them despises the God who wrote them. God forbid that any of us should leave our Bibles to become swift witnesses against us in the great day of account. The word of God will repay searching. God does not bid us sift a mountain of chaff with here and there a grain of wheat in it, but the Bible is winnowed corn — we have but to open the granary door and find it.

Scripture grows upon the student. It is full of surprises. Under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, to the searching eye it glows with splendour of revelation, like a vast temple paved with wrought gold, and roofed with rubies, emeralds, and all manner of gems. No merchandise like the merchandise of Scripture truth. Lastly, the Scriptures reveal Jesus: “They are they which testify of me.” No more powerful motive can be urged upon Bible readers than this: he who finds Jesus finds life, heaven, all things. Happy he who, searching his Bible, discovers his Saviour.

 

[Patriot]

Why is “You shall not covet” in the Ten Commandments?​

ANSWER

The key to understanding this commandment is in the definition of the word “covet.” Two different Hebrew words are used in the passages condemning coveting (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21), and both mean “to lust after or to long for with great desire.” Since the commandments are given as “you shall not’s,” the desire in this case is for something that is not the property of the desirer and not rightfully his to long after. In this commandment, the Israelites are told not to lust after their neighbor’s possessions—his house, land, ox or donkey, or the people in his life—his wife or servants, both male and female. The Israelites were not to desire, long for, or set their hearts on anything that belonged to anyone else.

Whereas several of the commandments prohibit certain actions, such as murder and theft, this is one of the commandments that address the inner person, his heart and mind. As James 1:15 tells us, the inner person is where sin originates, and in this case, covetousness is the forerunner of all manner of sin, among them theft, burglary, and embezzlement. At its root, coveting is the result of envy, a sin which, once it takes root in the heart, leads to worse sins. Jesus reiterated this very thought in the Sermon on the Mount when He said that lust in the heart is every bit as sinful as committing adultery (Matthew 5:28). Envy goes beyond casting a longing glance at the neighbor’s new car. Once dwelled upon, envy of the neighbor’s possessions can turn to feelings of resentment and hatred for the neighbor himself. That can turn into resentment against God and questioning Him: “Why can’t I have what he has, Lord? Don’t you love me enough to give me what I want?”

God’s reasons for condemning covetousness are good ones. At its very core, envy is love of self. Envious, selfish citizens are unhappy and discontented citizens. A society built of such people is a weak one because envious malcontents, as stated before, will be more likely to commit crimes against one another, further weakening the societal structure. Furthermore, the New Testament identifies covetousness as a form of idolatry, a sin which God detests (Colossians 3:5). In the end, envy and covetousness are Satan’s tools to distract us from pursuing the only thing that will ever make us happy and content—God Himself. God’s Word tells us that “godliness with contentment is great gain” and that we should be content with the basic necessities of life (1 Timothy 6:6-8), because true happiness is not attained by things, but by a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. By this alone do we gain that which is worthy, true, solid, satisfying, and durable—the unsearchable riches of God’s grace.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

The Law of Perfect Freedom: Relating to God and Others through the Ten Commandments by Michael Horton

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[Patriot]

What are some Bible verses about jealousy?​

ANSWER

James 3:16
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

1 Corinthians 3:3
For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Exodus 20:17
You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Job 5:2
Surely vexation kills the fool, and jealousy slays the simple.

Proverbs 6:34
For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge.

Proverbs 14:30
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Proverbs 19:5
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.

James 3:14-16
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

2 Timothy 2:22
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Galatians 6:4
But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

2 Corinthians 11:2
For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

Exodus 34:14
(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),

Song of Solomon 8:6
Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord.

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Special thanks to OpenBible.info for the data on the most well-known Bible verses.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

The MacArthur Topical Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to Every Major Topic Found in the Bible

More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

 

[Patriot]

Why should we not fret because of evildoers (Proverbs 24:19)?​

ANSWER

Proverbs 22:17—24:22 contains thirty “sayings to the wise,” which are Solomon’s words of wisdom for those who put their faith and hope in God. The penultimate saying states, “Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out” (Proverbs 24:19–20).

This proverb’s point is that wise people do not need to worry, despair, or fret when evildoers experience success because such people have no hope of a triumphant future. The wicked are not to be envied because their success is only temporary. Any satisfaction they enjoy is here today and gone tomorrow. In the end, they are destined for destruction (Psalm 34:16; 37:38). In a parallel saying of the wise, Solomon advises, “Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed” (Proverbs 23:17–18, NLT). The reward of sinners is short-lived, but those who put their hope in the Lord have a sure and confident expectation of God’s eternal faithfulness and presence (Psalm 71:5).

This same idea unfolds in Psalm 73. Asaph confesses that he nearly gave up hope in God’s goodness when he envied and fretted over the success of evildoers: “But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else” (Psalm 73:2–5, NLT). Asaph regains his footing when he remembers the fate of evildoers: “Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors” (Psalm 73:17–19, NLT; see also Psalm 73:27).

The English verb fret in Proverbs 24:19 is probably a bit mild for the original Hebrew term’s meaning. “Do not get burned up” or “do not get yourself infuriated” might be a better rendering. It’s not unusual for Christians to become furious with anger when they see godless people prospering. But if we allow our focus to shift away from God’s goodness and faithfulness to the success and prosperity of the wicked, like Asaph, we can lose our way, too.

Nothing good comes from letting envy fester in our hearts. It becomes like a “cancer in the bones” (Proverbs 14:30, NLT). James warns, “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:14–16). When we are envious of the wicked, we become just like them. But when we let go of our jealous indignation, our outlook shifts back to the eternal perspective where our trusting eyes of faith are firmly fixed on God.

The lesson of Proverbs 24:19 echoes in King David’s words: “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:1–4).

In Scripture, a lamp, or the light of a candle, is often a symbol of prosperity and success. When we’re tempted to fret because of evildoers—when a godless person wins the promotion we deserve—remember, “The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out” (Proverbs 13:9). David affirms, “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28).

The believer has a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11); the wicked do not. For this reason, we should not get all worked up and fret because of evildoers. If we do, we reveal our spiritual short-sightedness and lack of trust in the integrity and faithfulness of God. We forget that “the eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil” (1 Peter 3:12, NLT). If we fix our thoughts on God and not the fleeting fortune of the wicked, if we trust in the Lord and hope in His steadfast love, God will keep our hearts in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3; see also Psalm 33:18).

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Proverbs: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom & Psalms by Tremper Longman III

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[Patriot]

What does the Bible mean when it refers to emulations?​

ANSWER

To emulate is to imitate. Emulations, as used in some older translations of the Bible, is an obsolete word meaning “jealous competition” or “ambition driven by envy.” Sinful emulation is a greed-driven desire to “imitate” someone’s success or share their wealth; it is a “keeping up with the Joneses,” immersed in covetousness.

In the KJV Bible, a form of the word emulations is used in two places: one positive and one negative. Galatians 5:19–21 lists the works of the flesh. Verse 20 mentions the sins of idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, and emulations, among others. In other versions of the Bible, such as the NIV and ESV, the word jealousy replaces the KJV’s emulations.

Emulation is not the brief rise of jealous feelings we all have from time to time. The sins listed in Galatians 5:19–20 are those that define a person. Verse 21 goes on to say that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Sinful emulations are jealous thoughts and actions that cause a person to live in a state of hatred and envy.

In another passage, a form of the word emulations is used by Paul to refer to a beneficial “jealousy” that would cause his Jewish brothers to seek God. Romans 11:14 says, “If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them” (KJV). Paul is speaking of the fact that he had been sent by God as a missionary to the Gentiles (Acts 28:28; Romans 11:13). Because of the Jews’ sense of ethnic superiority and divine privilege, they were horrified at the idea that their Messiah had also come to save Gentiles. Paul’s hope was that, as his Jewish brothers watched Gentiles entering into a covenant relationship with God, they would be provoked to jealousy and realize their error in not accepting Jesus as their Messiah. In that case, emulations would have a positive outcome.

When we emulate someone, we imitate him or her because we admire some character quality or behavior. Paul repeatedly instructed new believers to imitate him as he imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17). Our goal as Christians is to emulate Jesus as He emulated the Father (John 5:19; 14:12). Sinful emulations, in the KJV’s usage of the word, are related to covetousness, strife, and strong, negative emotions (see Proverbs 27:4). Hearts full of emulations prompted Joseph’s brothers to treat him ill (Genesis 37:4). Emulations led to Gehazi’s downfall (2 Kings 5:15–27). The lies told by Ananias and Sapphira were likely due to that couple’s sinful desire to attain the place of honor that Barnabas had earned in the church (Acts 4:36 — 5:10). In emulating Barnabas’ generosity, however, Ananias and Sapphira failed to emulate his honesty.

When we desire to emulate the wicked or harbor jealousy toward others, we cannot live in love and humility as God commands (Ephesians 5:2; Psalm 73:2–3). Sinful emulations will not accomplish God’s purpose in our lives, and we are to avoid allowing an attitude of envy or jealousy to live in our hearts.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Landmines in the Path of the Believer: Avoiding the Hidden Dangers by Charles F. Stanley

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[Patriot]

What does the Bible say about jealousy?​

ANSWER

When we use the word “jealous,” we use it in a sense of being envious of someone who has something we do not have. This kind of jealousy is a sin and is not characteristic of a Christian; rather, it shows that we are still being controlled by our own desires (1 Corinthians 3:3). Galatians 5:26 says, “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

The Bible tells us that we are to have the perfect kind of love that God has for us. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). The more we focus on ourselves and our own desires, the less we are able to focus on God. When we harden our hearts to the truth, we cannot turn to Jesus and allow Him to heal us (Matthew 13:15). But when we allow the Holy Spirit to control us, He will produce in us the fruit of our salvation, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Being jealous indicates that we are not satisfied with what God has given us. The Bible tells us to be content with what we have, for God will never fail or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). In order to combat jealousy, we need to become more like Jesus and less like ourselves. We can get to know Him through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with mature believers. As we learn how to serve others instead of ourselves, our hearts will begin to change. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Landmines in the Path of the Believer: Avoiding the Hidden Dangers by Charles F. Stanley

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[Patriot]

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard?​

ANSWER

This lengthy parable is found only in the gospel of Matthew. Jesus tells the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) in response to Peter’s question in Matthew 19:27: "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" Peter wanted to know what reward would be given to those who give up everything to follow Jesus. In response, Jesus explains this truth about the kingdom of heaven.

Planting, maintaining and harvesting vineyards in first-century Israel was strenuous work requiring hard physical labor in the heat of summer. Often, additional laborers were required to get all the work done. The owner of this particular vineyard went to the marketplace at the first hour of the morning (6:00 a.m.) to find workers for the day. His offered wage of one denarius, a Roman’s soldier’s pay for a day, was generous indeed. The workers in the first group were more than happy to work for the generous wage.

As the day progressed and more workers were hired, the specific wage was not mentioned, but the landowner promised to pay “whatever is right.” Apparently, the workers were sufficiently confident of the landowner’s character that they trusted him at his word. Altogether, four groups of workers were hired, the last group just one hour before the end of the day. When the time came for the wages to be paid, the first group of workers saw the last group being paid a denarius and were naturally thinking they would be paid more since they had worked the longest. Their anger against the landowner spilled forth when they saw they would all be paid the same, even though they got exactly what they had agreed upon when they were hired. The landowner was forced to defend his actions to the first group, even though he had dealt with them in perfect fairness according to the contract.

The landowner, whose decision to pay all the workers the same was an act of mercy—not injustice—represents God, whose grace and mercy are shed abundantly upon those of His choosing. “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy” (Romans 9:15-16). In the matter of salvation, His grace and mercy are given to those whose self-righteous works could never obtain it. We are all sinful and “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), but His grace is sufficient to redeem all who believe. Whether God calls someone early or late in life to partake of His grace, the glory and praise for our salvation is His and His alone and in no way amounts to unfairness. Just as the landowner has a right to do what he wishes with his own money, so does God have the right to have mercy on whom He will have mercy.

The first group of workers in the vineyard resented receiving the same wage as the last group. Their attitude was similar to that of the Pharisees, who were incensed at Jesus’ teaching that others could inherit a heavenly kingdom they thought was reserved for them alone. They despised Jesus for offering the kingdom to poor, oppressed, weak sinners whom He made equal to them. In verse 15, the landowner asks, “Is your eye evil because I am good?” The “evil eye” was a Hebrew expression referring to jealousy and envy. God’s goodness and mercy produced in the self-righteous Pharisees the evil eye of envy. The rest of the workers received their wages without complaint or envy of others. In the same way, as Christians, we should rejoice when others come to the Savior, as we should rejoice in the service others render to Him. He is faithful to reward us for our service as He has promised, and how He rewards others should be of no consequence to us, nor should it affect our devotion to Him.

The message in verse 16, “the last will be first, and the first last,” is that no matter how long or how hard a believer works during his lifetime, the reward of eternal life will be the same given to all—an eternity of bliss in heaven in the presence of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43), whose life of service was limited to a moment of repentance and confession of faith in Christ, received the same reward of eternal life as the apostle Paul. Of course, Scripture also teaches that there are different rewards in heaven for different services, but the ultimate reward of eternal life will be achieved by all equally.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Parables of Jesus by James Montgomery Boice

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[beensetfree]

God is the Saviour of All Men​

Looking unto our blessed Saviour

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Titus 2:13 KJV


__________________

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:18 NIV


__________________

But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers. He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.




Psalms 89:24-26 KJV


__________________

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

1 Timothy 4:10 RSV


__________________

We need a Savior because we are sinners,
and the wages of sin is death...

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten
Son of God is the object of
our faith; the only faith that
saves is faith in Him.

 

[beensetfree]

He openeth, and no man shutteth.”

Revelation 3:7

Jesus is the keeper of the gates of paradise and before every believing soul he setteth an open door, which no man or devil shall be able to close against it. What joy it will be to find that faith in him is the golden key to the everlasting doors. My soul, dost thou carry this key in thy bosom, or art thou trusting to some deceitful pick-lock, which will fail thee at last? Hear this parable of the preacher, and remember it.




The great King has made a banquet, and he has proclaimed to all the world that none shall enter but those who bring with them the fairest flower that blooms. The spirits of men advance to the gate by thousands, and they bring each one the flower which he esteems the queen of the garden; but in crowds they are driven from the royal presence, and enter not into the festive halls. Some bear in their hand the deadly nightshade of superstition, or the flaunting poppies of Rome, or the hemlock of self- righteousness, but these are not dear to the King, the bearers are shut out of the pearly gates.

My soul, hast thou gathered the rose of Sharon? Dost thou wear the lily of the valley in thy bosom constantly? If so, when thou comest up to the gates of heaven thou wilt know its value, for thou hast only to show this choicest of flowers, and the Porter will open: not for a moment will he deny thee admission, for to that rose the Porter openeth ever. Thou shalt find thy way with the rose of Sharon in thy hand up to the throne of God himself, for heaven itself possesses nothing that excels its radiant beauty, and of all the flowers that bloom in paradise there is none that can rival the lily of the valley. My soul, get Calvary's blood-red rose into thy hand by faith, by love wear it, by communion preserve it, by daily watchfulness make it thine all in all, and thou shalt be blessed beyond all bliss, happy beyond a dream. Jesus, be mine for ever, my God, my heaven, my all.

 

[Patriot]

Why do the wicked prosper?​

ANSWER

The prophet Jeremiah grappled with the issue when he asked the Lord: “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit. You are always on their lips but far from their hearts” (Jeremiah 12:1–2). Job struggled similarly: “Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?” (Job 21:7). And the psalmist expressed envy when he saw the prosperity of the wicked, wondering if living righteously was worth the trouble (Psalm 73:3, 13). How does a holy God of love allow His people to suffer while the wicked thrive?

Perhaps a better question is, why are we tempted to envy the wicked? As God’s children, what lies at the heart of our inquiry? Why are we upset when an evil person does well? Is it because that person has something we do not?

The wicked may prosper in this world, but perhaps we’ve forgotten that their fortune will only endure for the short term. We’ve lost sight of our eternal reward and the ultimate fate of the wicked. We need this reminder: “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:1–7).

It’s natural to wonder why God is gracious and merciful to people when they do not deserve His mercy—when their hearts are hard and stubborn. This response is typical; it’s human to desire appropriate consequences for bad behavior. Forgiving our enemies does not come easily. Perhaps we forget that many of us once were hard-hearted and stubborn. We, too, deserved God’s judgment. But God extended His love and grace toward us so that we might receive His salvation: “All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” (Ephesians 2:3–5, NLT).

One answer to the question “Why do the wicked prosper?” is that even the wicked have a purpose to fulfill in God’s plan. God raised up the Babylonians, a “ruthless and impetuous people” for a reason (Habakkuk 1:6; cf. Jeremiah 27:6). God raised up the Persian king Cyrus in order to accomplish all that God pleased (Isaiah 44:28). God raised up the Egyptians and Assyrians in His righteous judgment of disobedient Judah (Isaiah 7:18).

Perhaps the best answer to the question “Why do the wicked prosper?” is this: because God loves sinners (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). He is compassionate, merciful, and patient with wicked people because He wants them to be saved. Second Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

God is slow to anger, abounding in love. He is a compassionate God who gives certain blessings to all people (Matthew 5:45) and who desires all to be saved. His patience with the wicked is an opportunity for them to be saved: “And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved” (2 Peter 3:15, NLT).

We might want to see the wicked destroyed immediately, but God has a sovereign plan that needs to move forward. And in His love and grace, He wants them to be saved. God’s patience with the wicked is an opportunity for us to pray for them and witness to them so that they will know God’s heart toward them. We are called to tell the wicked of His wonderful salvation and to warn them of the punishment that they can expect if they remain hardened toward God and don’t turn from their stubborn path.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question by Norm Geisler

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[Patriot]

What is godly jealousy?​

ANSWER

In 2 Corinthians 11:2, Paul writes, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.” We normally think of jealousy as being a negative trait or even a sin, akin to envy (see Galatians 5:20). Yet jealousy can also be a godly trait.

Sinful jealousy has at its root covetousness (Mark 7:22; James 4:2). To covet is to strongly desire something belonging to someone else. Covetousness is a dissatisfaction with what God has given us and an obsessive fascination with what He has given someone else. When we covet something belonging to another, we cannot love that person as we should because we see him or her as competition. Lust is also a form of covetousness (Colossians 3:5).

However, there are times when jealousy is appropriate. God is described as being provoked to jealousy over idolatry (Exodus 20:4–5). God is jealous when someone takes something that rightly belongs to Him and keeps it for himself or gives it to another. God alone deserves our worship and praise (Jeremiah 10:6–7). When we give worship to false gods, we commit a grave injustice, and God’s righteous jealousy is provoked (2 Kings 22:17; Psalm 78:58).

When Paul speaks of godly jealousy, he means the kind of jealousy that God has. The Corinthians had a propensity to embrace heresy and false teachers. They had encountered Jesus in powerful ways. He had filled them with the Holy Spirit and granted them supernatural gifts (1 Corinthians 1:7), yet they still tended toward gullibility and unfaithfulness. Verses 3 and 4 explain their problem in this regard: “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.”

In 2 Corinthians 11:2 Paul compares his jealousy over the Corinthian church with that of a bridegroom toward his beloved. A bride has promised her heart to her husband alone, and, should she prove unfaithful, he would experience godly jealousy. Paul had an ardent love for the Corinthian church he founded. But the Corinthians’ ongoing tendency toward error grieved him, and he feared they were being spiritually seduced by smooth-talking false teachers. Paul rebuked, counseled, encouraged, and corrected them in his letters, one of which has been lost to us (see 1 Corinthians 5:9). And when he received word that they were again entertaining false teachers (2 Corinthians 11:5, 13–15), he was filled with God’s own jealousy for them.

We can discern the difference between ungodly, selfish jealousy and godly jealousy when we identify the desired outcome. With selfish, sinful jealousy, we are the beneficiaries of our covetous thoughts. We are the recipients of imagined admiration, wealth, or blessing. But with godly jealousy God is the recipient of our desire. We are jealous for the will of God in a situation. We are jealous for Him to be glorified. Godly jealousy wakes us up at night to intercede for a lost loved one. Godly jealousy motivates us to confront a sinning brother or sister when we don’t want to, in order to save them from the enemy (James 5:20). Godly jealousy created difficulties and sorrows for Paul because he refused to stop speaking the truth, even when his hearers did not want to listen (2 Corinthians 5:14). Godly jealousy is love in action (1 Corinthians 13:4–7).

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Landmines in the Path of the Believer: Avoiding the Hidden Dangers by Charles F. Stanley

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[Patriot]

What are some Bible verses about sloth?​

ANSWER

Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

Proverbs 12:24
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Proverbs 15:19
The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.

Ecclesiastes 10:18
Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.

Proverbs 24:30-34
I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

Romans 12:11
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Proverbs 21:25-26
The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.

Proverbs 19:15
Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.

Matthew 25:26
But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?”

Proverbs 18:9
Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

Proverbs 22:13
The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”

Proverbs 20:4
The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

Proverbs 10:4
A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.

Proverbs 20:13
Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.

Proverbs 6:9
How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Proverbs 26:16
The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Special thanks to OpenBible.info for the data on the most well-known Bible verses.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

The MacArthur Topical Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to Every Major Topic Found in the Bible

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