Who Can Stand?

Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

Proverbs 27:4 (ESV)

One thing I wish I had known was the power of jealousy. Who can stand before jealousy? Along the way, I learned that the answer is “No one.”

I have had two people jealous of me—that I am aware of. For years, I did not stand.

Thankfully, the LORD rescued me. One woman acknowledged her sin and its effects on my family. Then, she apologized.

The Lord is my light and salvation; Whom shall I fear?

Psalm 27:1a (ESV)

Proverbs 6:34 explains why we cannot stand alone against jealousy.

For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge.

Proverbs 6:34 (ESV)

My family—especially my children—have the lingering effects of the revenge of these two people.

… jealousy is as fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD.

Song of Solomon 8:6B (ESV)

I was blindsided because meek, seeming loving people flashed like fire behind my back when their jealousy was aroused.

I wish I had been on guard and able to extinguish their jealousy.