MAY 1

Ecclesiastes 4:4
Memorise Proverbs 27:4
“Who is able to stand before envy?”

From the wicked men in power, Solomon then turns to those who do an honest day’s work, and earns himself an honest day’s wage. Solomon speaks of a man who does ‘every right work’ by working hard with his hands. This man probably increases in riches, in stature and in success. However, the sad result of this is that he becomes the object of envy of the people around him. Even though a man does everything in the right manner and without corruption, he may not receive the approval of man, for they become envious of his success. Worse still, they may begin to badmouth him, gossip about his motives and maybe begin to insinuate corruption or other sins.

If you are labouring under the sun apart from God, then yes, this would be vanity and vexation of spirit to you. For if you had tried hard to do your work well to win the approval and praise of men but you are envied and hated instead, you will obviously feel very dejected. But we know that man’s opinion is never what we should be seeking after. If men envy and hate us because of our honest hard work, then so be it! In fact, we thank God that we can be a good witness and testimony for Him, and are counted worthy to suffer for His sake!

Dear teen, have you experienced such people before in your lives? How did you respond to their envy and, possibly, even hatred? You may be diligently doing your best in school and trying to follow all the school rules. You do well in class and perhaps win the favour of your teachers. However because of that, you are mocked by your classmates and ostracised for being so ‘goody-goody’. Remember that our aim in life is not to please men and win their favour. We are here to do the will of God and glorify Him! If we know that through our good works God is glorified, then we can rest assured that God knows and will bless us.

In addition, we must be careful that we do not find ourselves on the other side by being one who envies others. Do you sometimes wish you had the things your friends have? Do you wish you were more intelligent, maybe more hardworking, more good-looking etc.? Does this envy that you have cause you to despise your friends? Be careful, for this covetousness, is nothing more than vanity and vexation of spirit!

Thought: Covetousness is a silent but deadly sin of the heart!
Prayer: Lord, help me to live an honest, simple life that is pleasing to You.