Envy is an emotional trait humans share. Envy can be defined as a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another’s advantages, success, and possessions joined with the desire to possess the same advantage. Envy rots the bones (14:30).
Though envy is sometimes a motive for doing good, usually it has unwanted results most notably emotional restlessness. Envy is never satisfied for what envy craves never satisfies. Envy is a faith and perspective problem.
The Father’s advice is to not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways (31). The appearance of someone’s life does not see into the soul. Everything a violent man possesses has the image equivalent to a magician’s act; illusions that only appeal to the audience.
Thus, the Lord detests a perverse man (32) and his curse is on the house of the wicked (33). He mocks proud mockers (35) and fools he holds up to shame (35). In contrast to this, the Lord takes the upright into his confidence (32) and he blesses the home of the righteous (33). He gives grace to the humble (34) and the wise inherit honor (35).
