Why is comparison so hard to escape?

In this reflection on Psalm 37, John Ortberg explores the hidden power of envy and why it quietly robs us of joy, gratitude, and peace.

Drawing on insights from Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, John explains the difference between jealousy and envy, why comparison always leaves us feeling deficient, and how God's care frees us from measuring our lives against everyone else's.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 37 and overcoming envy
- Why comparison is so destructive
- The difference between jealousy and envy
- Biblical stories of envy
- Social media and the comparison trap
- Living each day under God's loving care

Scriptures:
- Psalm 37
- Genesis 4
- Genesis 25–30
- Genesis 37
- Matthew 5:5

#Psalm37 #JohnOrtberg #Envy #Comparison #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Contentment #Faith


📚 Today's Resources:
Rebecca Konyndyk De Young, Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies 
Victor Hugo, “L’Avarice et L’Envie,” Le Conservateur littéraire (1819)
Pope St. Gregory the Great, Moralia in Job (~580 CE)
Francis Bacon, “Of Envy” (1625)
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., “Harrison Bergeon,” The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction


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Music Credits:
Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE
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 00:00 Comparison Is Stealing Your Joy
 00:36 Psalm 37 Begins
 01:09 The External Solution to Envy
 01:32 Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron
 02:49 Why Equality Doesn't Cure Envy
 03:18 Living in God's Kingdom
 03:42 Don't Fret or Ruminate
 04:02 Delight Yourself in the Lord
 04:55 Jealousy vs. Envy
 05:48 Why God Is Jealous but Never Envious
 06:46 The Bible's Story of Envy
 07:33 Envy Begins With Deficiency
 08:05 An Envy Self-Assessment
 09:16 Victor Hugo's Story of Envy
 09:56 How Envy Shows Itself
 10:56 Social Media & Comparison
 11:32 Spending Your Days Under God's Care
 12:13 Live an Envy-Free Day