1 Samuel 18:8-9
Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: "They give David tens of thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship." From that day on, Saul was jealous of David.
A couple of weeks ago, the lottery was up near $500 million. I wondered what I would do with all of that money had I won. I thought about people I could share it with and those I could help. Then it occurred that I might be in danger from those who would want to cause me or my family harm in order to get it. People who are jealous, or envious, will go to extremes to discredit others all while attempting to better themselves. Today's first reading finds Saul jealous of David after a great victory. In fact Saul became so jealous that he wanted to kill David.
Of the Ten Commandments, two talk about coveting. In our desire to want things that others have, we become jealous. This emotion and sin can be spiritually, and for some, physically fatal. God knew this; that's why it's mentioned twice. When you see someone succeed or accomplish something special, don't think ill of them; instead find the positive and support them. Ask God for the grace to take the high road and not fall into the pit of jealousy.
