"Erm. Is it envy if you wish you had as much as someone else has? Without taking anything from them?
Let's say my best friend "Mike" has all kinds of good stuff in life.
Is it envy if I think "More Power to Mike, I wish I was like him!"?"
That is exactly envy.
:(
OK. I guess I should try to be satisfied with what I've got.
My life is a durn sight better than some I've seen.
I shall try to be grateful.
1. I live in what most people would consider a great country. Texas.
2. I enjoy pretty good health. Not perfect, but pretty good. I don't have any chronic conditions.
3. I'm not all that damn smart, but the powers that be did not gift me with mental retardation either.
4. I have beer.
5. Did I mention beer? Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. - Benjamin Franklin.
This examination of envy and my own life has convinced me that I am, and should be, happy. Further, I do not, and should not, envy anyone. Thanks to all.
But if you used the word "admire" instead of envy is it still a sin? In this instance you could say "I admire my friend Mike and how he's lived his life and the choices he's made." Is there a difference between admiring someone and envying them?