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  CURE FOR ENVY
  by C.H. Spurgeon
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Summary: The cure for envy lies in living a life of true religion and
cultivating a constant sense of the divine presence.

Topics: "Contentment", "Envy"
Scripture References: Proverbs 23:17

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DESCRIPTION
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C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of envy, particularly when witnessing
the prosperity of sinners, urging believers to focus on the fear of the
Lord instead. He emphasizes that true understanding of the fate of the
wicked should lead to pity rather than envy, as their apparent success
is fleeting. The cure for envy lies in constant communion with God,
which elevates our desires and clarifies our judgment. Spurgeon
reassures that the godly will ultimately find peace and joy, contrasting
their eternal reward with the temporary nature of worldly success. Thus,
he encourages believers to cultivate contentment and let go of envy.

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CONTENT
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Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord
all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation
shall not be cast off. (Proverbs 23:17-18)

When we see the wicked prosper we are apt to envy them. When we hear the
noise of their mirth and our own spirit is heavy, we half think that
they have the best of it. This is foolish and sinful. If we knew them
better, and specially if we remembered their end, we should pity them.

The cure for envy lies in living under a constant sense of the divine
presence, worshiping God and communing with Him all the day long,
however long the day may seem. True religion lifts the soul into a
higher region, where the judgment becomes more clear and the desires are
more elevated. The more of heaven there is in our lives, the less of
earth we shall covet. The fear of God casts out envy of men.

The deathblow of envy is a calm consideration of the future. The wealth
and glory of the ungodly are a vain show. This pompous appearance
flashes out for an hour and then is extinguished. What is the prosperous
sinner the better for his prosperity when judgment overtakes him? As for
the godly man, his end is peace and blessedness, and none can rob him of
his joy; wherefore, let him forgo envy and be filled with sweet content.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ch-spurgeon/cure-for-envy/
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