Envy and Jealousy

j0273388.wmf (21112 bytes)We Are David And Michal
Our Relationship Is Troubled
We are at odds over a simple event in our lives. David was dancing before the Lord. Michal saw, was jealous and enraged about the matter. God evidently was displeased with Michal's jealousy as she was made baron from that day forward.
Just look at where they started. In 1 Samuel 18:20, 28 Michal loved David. She was glad to be with him. But in 2 Samuel 6:14-16 she saw David dancing and she hated him for it. In last study's question we also noticed he fed everybody in 2 Samuel 6:18-19. It was all part of the picture that made Michal mad. You could understand a person being curious about what was going on and wanting some answers. But she got mad. David stood his ground. And they seemed at an impasse.

In 2 Samuel 6:20-23 she confronted David, he defended himself and she was left baron as a penalty. The implications of her charge are obvious. She insinuated David was being flirtatious or showy in front of the women. Jealousy over adultery is serious stuff. In Proverbs 6:32-35 he speaks of a man's jealousy over adultery as something that causes rage and is difficult to forgive. Certainly a woman's feelings would be similar.

But is suspicion of adultery or impropriety Michal's real problem? David brought something else up that gives rise to the idea that she had another problem. David said he was celebrating before God, who, by the way, had chosen him over Michal's father to be king. Ouch! Was David gouging her, or was he pointing to the real problem?

What had happened here? David was retrieving the ark of the covenant. Why did he have to retrieve it? In 1 Samuel 4:1-11 Saul lost the ark, losing to the Philistines and letting them take possession of it. Could it be that Michal was seething because she saw David having the success that eluded her father? This seems like a plausible idea.

In either case, her problem was jealousy. Jealousy led to anger, which led her to say things she shouldn't have said. Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever felt envy and jealousy that was inappropriate, let it get out of hand, then say something in anger you shouldn't say? Think about it.

Proverbs 13:2-3 speaks well to Michal's situation. She didn't control her tongue and she wound up being punished. Also notice Proverbs 15:1. She used grievous words that put David on the defensive and might have fueled her own anger. You know how it is when you're mad. You starting saying hateful things and the more you talk the madder you get.

Think about this story the next time you feel jealousy and envy. Think about this event the next time your anger starts to build. Think about Michal the next time your anger leads you to hateful words. Think, hold your peace, control your heart, and be blessed.
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j0234752.gif (11394 bytes)Question
For This Study

I Have A Few Plans
Oh yes! I have some plans. I will fix these guys up. I'll make it look like they are criminals. After all, they are criminals. Then I'll close in on them. I might even have one arrested. Who knows? Oh, this is going to be so good.

Who am I and what should I do? What are my motives? Will this turn out for the good?