Envy was the sin that caused the chief priests to deliver Jesus to be crucified. Matthew 27:18 says, "For he knew that for envy they had delivered him." The question is, what did they envy about Jesus? Perhaps it was the mighty miracles he performed. Nicodemus stated in John 3: 2, "We know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."
Perhaps it was the authority by which He spoke. Mark 1:22 says, "And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." Perhaps it was because the multitudes and crowds followed Him, and not them, the spiritual leaders, that made them envious.
The word "jealousy" is used sometimes when translating this same word, e.g. "Jealousy is cruel as the grave" (Song of Solomon 8:6). This point was proved in the sinful reason behind Christ being given over to Pilate for crucifixion.
Proverbs 14:30 says, "A sound heart is the life of the flesh, but envy the rottenness of the bones." In other words, an envious husband is a rotten husband, and the same goes for the wife. We cannot say we have love if at the same time we envy our wife's popularity or intelligence, or perhaps a neighbor's wealth or accomplishments.
How sad it is when a family is destroyed because a spouse envies someone else's spouse. True love rejoices when others are blessed. True love resists all envy and jealousy of others.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell