Webster defines envy (verb), in part, as follows: "To long after; to desire strongly; to covet;" and part of the definition of covet (verb) is, "To long inordinately for (something that is another's)." Therefore, it will be seen that in one sense envy and covetousness are synonymous.
It was evidently this form of envy that Jesus sought to rebuke when, according to Luke's Gospel, "one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me." After asking the question, "Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?" Jesus continued, apparently for the benefit of all present, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
Deceived by the belief that life is in matter and that matter sustains life; blindly accepting the suggestion that an abundance of things gives satisfaction, mortals who find themselves with few things are often envious of those who have many things. This is the error that Jesus uncovered in the instance referred to above, and against which he warned his hearers.
