October 1, 2026
In Shakespeare’s play Othello, the antagonist Iago seeks to manipulate the main character by insinuating that his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair. Planting seeds of jealousy in Othello's mind, Iago says: “O beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” (Act 3, Scene 3).
Since the beginning of time, the “green-eyed monster” has plagued mankind. Jealousy got Lucifer kicked out of heaven. He then became the devil, took on the form of a serpent, triggering the fall of man.
The “green-eyed” monster led to the first murder recorded in the Bible. Cain became jealous when God chose Abel’s offering over his and proceeded to take his brother’s life. Jealous of his favored position, his brothers considered the same fate for Joseph but settled for selling him into slavery.
Envious of their brother’s lofty leadership position, Miriam and Aaron spoke against their younger sibling, asking, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us as well? ((Numbers 12:2).
David, centuries later, was also the target of envy and disdain. Following Goliath’s death, King Saul’s star faded as the young shepherd's popularity escalated. The women singing “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7), infuriated Saul. He became so jealous that he tried to kill the future king.
Jealousy played a part in Jesus’ arrest and subsequent crucifixion. “For he (Pilate) knew that because of envy they handed Him over” (Matthew 27:18). Unbelieving Jews burned with jealousy when large numbers of Paul and Silas listeners converted to Christ (Acts 17: 5). The following fable gives insight into this venomous emotion.
The devil was crossing the Libyan desert and came upon some frustrated junior devils who were tempting a saintly Desert Father. First, they tempted him with lustful thoughts. That didn’t work. Then they tried to fill his mind with doubts and fears about his relationship with God, but that didn’t work either. Then they raised questions about the sincerity of his sacrificial lifestyle. Again, they were unsuccessful. By this time, the junior devils were getting discouraged, and so the devil himself stepped in. “Your methods are much too crude,” he said. “Permit me for a moment.” Approaching the Desert Father, he said, “Have you heard the news? Your brother has just been made Bishop of Alexandria.” Almost immediately, a scowl of jealousy broke across the saintly man’s face.
Fortunately, useful measures can be taken in the battle against jealousy. Observe and implement the following when envy raises its ugly head.
Confession- Jealousy must be acknowledged for what it is, one of the seven deadly sins. Confess it to the Lord and receive a cleansing that only He can provide.
Humility- We must come to realize that there are people more effective than we are, possessing talents we don’t have. There are simply those whom God places His hand upon in a significant way. “Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6).
Contentment- Jealousy typically arises when we become dissatisfied with who we are or what we have received. As Shakespeare wrote in another work, King Henry VI: “My crown is in my heart, not on my head; not decked with diamonds and Indian stones, nor to be seen; my crown is called content, a crown that seldom kings enjoy.”
Endurance- It seems that now, more than ever, we live in an instant success society where most people have no concept of “delayed gratification.” “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9).
Resistance- “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Is it time for a Facebook fast?
Celebration- Difficult though it may be, join in the festivities when others gain prominence and position that you missed out on. Through a text, a phone call, or perhaps even a handwritten note, send along congratulations to that particular someone who has enjoyed recent success.
Rather than allow the green-eyed monster to drag you into despondency and dysfunction, let it motivate and lift you to a closer walk with God and greater service for Him.
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Todd Gaddis is a semi-retired minister living in Athens. He continues to serve as an interim pastor and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.
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