What are the causes, effects, and psychology of jealousy? Let’s explore this complex emotion, jealousy is a multi-layered human reaction, exemplified by deep feeling of inadequacy, fear, and an overwhelming sense of uneasiness occasioned by the prospect of losing a valuable object or person that is dear to our hearts. It can emerge once we sense that something or someone we cherish is under threat.
Jealousy can also be expressed as bitterness or envy towards those who possess something that one wishes to have. It triggers several behaviors in people such as possessiveness, suspicion, and controlling tendencies. Unmanaged jealousy is challenging and can cause misery in the minds of those whom are jealous. It can arise due to a perceived threat or competition for valued possessions such as a romantic partner, friend, or career opportunity. Many jealous people can be characterized as having an urge to preserve an undeserved benefit or advantage. Individuals who have earned their own keep are typically not envious of those who are also earning theirs.
Jealousy, many times stem from a sense of competition. When it comes to material possessions, an individual who possesses less may experience jealousy towards those who possess more, because they perceive that they are missing out on something important that the other person has.
The realization that we are living in an environment that associates material goods with status, prosperity, and elation, escalates jealousy. Consequently, people tend to view their lack of worldly goods as a personal deficiency rather than a development that resulted from external factors.
There are those who flaunt their wealth or status in the presence of those with less, and they may do so for a variety of reasons. Some may be trying to demonstrate their success or accomplishments, while others may be seeking validation or approval from others. People also display their wealth or status as a way to assert dominance or power over others.
If they came from humble beginnings, they are often unaware that their previous struggles are now more evident than ever. Social media platforms are the embodiment of where such behavior is evident. It is important to remember that this kind of behavior can also be hurtful or offensive to those who do not have the same level of privilege or resources. If married women do not wish to make single women envious of their rich husbands, they might avoid showing him off to them. In this case, jealousy may stem from a perceived threat to something or someone highly valued, it is crucial to consider that reality may differ from what is being publically displayed. It appears that the happiness you present to others is not entirely reflective of your true emotional state. Due to the complexity of jealousy, it is plausible for someone who possesses more to feel jealous towards someone who possesses less.
(Exodus 20:17) Gives us instructions that address jealousy. (James 3:16) Tells us that disorder and every other kind of evil is where there is jealousy and selfish ambition. (1 Corinthians 13:4) Tells us to rid ourselves of envy.
The display of jealousy makes our underthings visible to the world!
Exodus 20:17
New International Version
17 “ “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” ”
Exodus 20:17
King James Version
17 “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”
Exodus 20:17
Living Bible
17 “ “You must not be envious of your neighbor’s house, or want to sleep with his wife, or want to own his slaves, oxen, donkeys, or anything else he has.” ”
James 3:16
New International Version
16 “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
James 3:16
King James Version
16 “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
James 3:16
Living Bible
16 “For wherever there is jealousy or selfish ambition, there will be disorder and every other kind of evil.”
1 Corinthians 13:4
New International Version
4 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
1 Corinthians 13:4
King James Version
4 “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,”
1 Corinthians 13:4
Living Bible
4 “Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud,”