We've all been there. But what if that fleeting moment of envy could actually hold a deeper lesson? Let's dive into a fascinating passage from Midrash Tehillim, a collection of rabbinic teachings on the Book of Psalms, that tackles this very human feeling.
The passage opens with the verse, "To David: Do not compete with evildoers," drawing from Proverbs 23:17, "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord." It's a powerful start, isn't it? Why waste your energy envying those who seem to be thriving by not following a righteous path?
The Midrash uses a vivid metaphor: "Do not envy the candle of the wicked, for you can see how much oil is in it, a quarter or an eighth, (yet) the entire oil (burns) and the candle goes out." It's like a shooting star – bright and dazzling for a moment, but ultimately fleeting. In contrast, Proverbs 6:23 tells us, "For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way of life." Focus instead, the Midrash urges, on a flame that never diminishes.
But here's where it gets really interesting. The text states that God Himself is "jealous." Wait, what? The Midrash explains that "if there were no jealousy, the world would not exist." This isn't about petty jealousy, of course. It's about a divine zeal, a passionate dedication to righteousness that fuels creation itself.
To illustrate this, the Midrash tells a story about Abraham. After the flood, Abraham questioned the kings of righteousness about their survival. They attributed it to their own righteous deeds, specifically caring for the animals on the ark. Abraham, ever the seeker of truth, challenged them. What reward, he wondered, could there be in caring for animals? He questioned their motives and, in doing so, demonstrated a "jealousy" for the Lord.
According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews, Abraham realized that if even a small act of kindness towards animals was rewarded, how much greater would be the reward for doing good to human beings? Immediately, the text says, Abraham planted a tamarisk tree, offering hospitality to all. This shows us how Abraham's "jealousy" for God manifested in action and kindness.
The story highlights that sometimes, what looks like envy is actually a spark of inspiration, a catalyst for our own growth. Seeing what others have can motivate us to strive for something better, to emulate their good qualities, and to serve God in a more meaningful way.
Solomon, in Ecclesiastes 4:4, observed, "And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person's envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." The Midrash concludes by urging us not to let our hearts envy in sin. The point isn't to get caught up in a cycle of wanting what others have, but to channel that energy into something productive, something that aligns with our values and brings us closer to God.
So, the next time you feel that pang of envy, ask yourself: what can I learn from this? How can I use this feeling to fuel my own journey towards righteousness? It's a question worth pondering.