Ellen White spoke strongly against jealousy and envy, describing them as destructive traits with serious spiritual consequences. Here are some key points from her writings:
1. Jealousy and envy are linked to a desire for supremacy and a spirit of discontent. She warns that "many love to be flattered and are jealously watching for slights or neglect," which leads to "envy, strife, emulation." She cites the biblical example of Miriam's envy, stating, "Envy is one of the most satanic traits that can exist in the human heart, and it is one of the most baleful in its effects." (PP 384.3, annotation_text)
2. Ellen White also addresses how jealousy and envy can lead to suspicion and evil surmising, especially among those in positions of responsibility. She notes, "Before your fanatical course you were jealous of those at Battle Creek... Envy and suspicion have been united... Had you esteemed yourself less, you would have had less jealousy and suspicion." (1T 311.2, annotation_text)
3. She observes that jealousy can become more pronounced with age, leading to distrust even of close friends and relatives, and sometimes resulting in tragic outcomes: "Their unrestrained jealousy sometimes burned into a flame because all did not agree with their failing judgment... And some were so controlled by their jealous, covetous feelings as to destroy their own children." (1T 422.2, annotation_text)
4. Ellen White warns that "envy, evil surmisings, jealousies have been working like leaven until the whole lump seemed to be leavened." She urges believers not to let "the enemy sow the seeds of envy, of fretting, of complaining, or of thinking evil one of another," and emphasizes that "a seed of jealousy is ready to spring into life at any moment, and will endeavor to gain the mastery." (12MR 184.2, annotation_text)
5. She counsels to "war against these unenviable traits of character, and not against one another," and to let "the love of Jesus pervade your hearts. Jealousy is all ready to spring into existence at the least provocation. Envy and evil surmising are ready to flourish, ready to grow by being cultivated." (11MR 263.1, annotation_text)
In summary, Ellen White consistently taught that jealousy and envy are dangerous, satanic traits that cause division, suspicion, and spiritual harm, and she urged believers to root them out through prayer, humility, and the love of Christ.
Confidence score: 100%
References:
- White, E. G. (1890). Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 384.3.
- White, E. G. (1868). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 311.2.
- White, E. G. (1868). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 422.2.
- White, E. G. (1990). Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, p. 184.2.
- White, E. G. (1990). Manuscript Releases, vol. 11, p. 263.1.