This Hidden Emotion is Keeping You from Happiness. Learn How to Defeat It

Envy is an emotion that we all experience at some point, but carries destructive consequences that can change lives.

Our sages said: "Envy, desire, and honor drive a person from the world" (Avot 4:21). Rabbi Chaim Vital, the greatest student of the holy Ari, explains in his book "Shaarei Teshuva" that when we are envious, we essentially question Hashem's choice—why did He give more to our neighbor, friend, or colleague at work? Envy causes us to lose perspective and act in ways that can lead to personal and social ruin.

Historical Examples: When Envy Destroys Worlds

Kain and Abel: Kain, who spoke to Hashem face to face, lost his world because of his envy of his brother Abel. He not only envied but also acted on this emotion, leading to murder.

Joseph's Brothers: The ten tribes envied Joseph, and this envy led them to sell him into slavery. Ultimately, they and their ancestors suffered the exile in Egypt.

King Saul: Saul, a righteous and beloved leader, lost his kingdom because of his envy of David. This envy caused many disasters, including the massacre of the city of priests at Nob and the destruction of the tabernacle at Shiloh.

Jeroboam son of Nebat: As Rabbi Chaim Vital states: "Jeroboam, before whom the sages of his generation were like the grass of the field, was driven from the world due to his envy of the kings of the House of David."

Even in the celestial realms, they could not withstand the emotion of envy. In Pirkei d'Rabbi Eliezer, it is told about Samael, an angel of particularly high rank, who fell from grace due to his envy of man. Another example is the Nephilim—Aza and Azael, who declined due to envy of man.

How to Overcome Envy?

The solution lies in our approach to life:

Rejoicing in Our Portion: Our sages teach that everyone has received exactly what is right for them. If we learn to appreciate what we have, we will discover true happiness and peace.

Viewing the Good in Others Without Comparison: Instead of envying, we can praise. This will improve our relationships and strengthen us from within.

Remembering the Ultimate Goal: Our sages say that "the son of David will not come until envy is removed." When we learn to let go of this emotion, complete redemption will come to the world.

Inspiration from Sages: Rabbi Chaim Vital suggests thinking of Hillel the Elder, Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa, and Rabbi Elazar ben Pedat. They lived simply, with very little possession, yet they were happy and content with their lot. As he says: "Therefore, a person should be happy with their portion, even if it is small, for he is no better than Hillel the Elder, Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa, Rabbi Yehuda bar Ilai, Rabbi Elazar ben Pedat, and others like them."

Remember that true joy does not depend on how much we have, but on how we view what we have.