One that even the sons of Jacob, the patriarch of the Jewish people, grappled with.
Think about it. These weren't just ordinary siblings. They were the ancestors of entire tribes, destined for greatness. Yet, they were as susceptible to jealousy and resentment as we are.
And it's from the testament of one of those sons, Simeon, that we get a glimpse into this very human drama. He addresses his own children, urging them to cultivate love and actively weed out hatred from their hearts – "in word and deed and the thoughts of the soul." Strong words, right?
Why this urgent plea? Because Simeon knew firsthand the destructive power of envy. He confesses, "For I spake peaceably with Joseph in the presence of our father, but when I went out from before him, the spirit of hatred darkened my understanding, and stirred up my soul to murder him." Wow. He admits to harboring murderous thoughts towards his own brother! Ginzberg, in Legends of the Jews, captures this internal struggle vividly.
Can you imagine the weight of that confession? The honesty? Simeon doesn't excuse his feelings. He owns them. He understands the insidious nature of envy, how it can twist your perception and lead you down a dark path.
So, what's his antidote? Love. Not just any love, but a deliberate, active love. A love that manifests in our words, our actions, and even our thoughts. It's a call to actively combat those negative feelings with positive ones.
And the advice doesn't stop there. Simeon offers practical guidance for dealing with envy when we see others succeeding. "If you see one that hath more good fortune than you, do not grieve, but pray for him, that his happiness may be perfect." Instead of feeling diminished by someone else's success, we should actively wish them well. It’s a radical shift in perspective, isn't it? Turning envy into a blessing.
Even more challenging, he addresses the temptation to envy the wicked when they prosper. "And if one of the wicked even should grow rich in substance, like Esau, my father's brother, do not envy him. Wait for the end of the Lord." Think about that for a moment. Esau, a figure often associated with worldly success and moral ambiguity, is used as an example. The message is clear: don't be fooled by superficial appearances. Don't envy those who may seem to have it all, especially if their success comes at the expense of their values.
Why wait for the end of the Lord? Because, ultimately, true justice and balance will prevail. Material wealth and fleeting pleasures are not the ultimate measures of success. The tzaddikim, the righteous ones, understand this.
Simeon's testament, as recounted in Legends of the Jews, offers a powerful lesson for us today. Envy is a natural human emotion, but it's one we must actively combat. By cultivating love, celebrating the success of others, and focusing on our own spiritual growth, we can break free from its grip. And maybe, just maybe, we can create a world where envy loses its power and love reigns supreme.