Envy is a capital sin (one of the seven deadly sins) defined as sadness or resentment at another's good fortune, possessions, or excellence, often coupled with a desire to see them deprived of it. Described as "rottenness to the bones" and a "diabolical sin," it differs from jealousy by focusing on hating that others have blessings rather than merely wanting what they have.
Causes of Envy
Comparison Game: Comparing our lives to others' success, looks, or material possessions.
Discontentment: A lack of gratitude.
Insecurity: Feeling that our own value or accomplishments are insufficient.
Types of Envy
Material Envy: Resentment towards others for their material possessions, wealth, talent, or appearance.
Spiritual Envy: Resentment toward others' spiritual growth, virtues, or progress in holiness.
Consequences of Envy
It Destroys Joy: It is the only sin that offers no pleasure, only misery.
It Breeds Other Sins: It leads to gossip, slander, hatred, rivalry, and sometimes even murder.
Rots the Soul: It is a toxic emotion that eats away at the soul, causing, in the words of St. Thomas Aquinas, joy at another's misfortune.