Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple. (Job 5:2)

There were two men, one covetous and the other envious. And they hated one another and complained of their Maker who knew their ill nature. Greatly they complained and sadly they cried. The covetous man would say: “See how bitter and bad are all the works of G-d who brings the mighty low. Why am I so poor and needy when he has made that greedy man, my enemy and neighbor, rich, who dwells not far from me. My heart aches and longs to be in his place!” The envious man in his hatred would say: “G-d will not turn your way nor will He listen to you, and if ever you were to try to be a leader set on high, so surely I would die!” Now the Angel of the L-rd found them, and as soon as he saw them, he summoned them and said: “Why is it that you wish to make such demands? Surely you should be ashamed to speak against your Creator and argue like this before Him, both of you! I have been sent to you this day to give each one of you a message and grant a wish. This is what I give you. Whatever each of you may request, in a moment he gets, but his friend shall have double of the same.”

They heard the words of the heavenly messenger and said: “We are your servants indeed and you will be our master. Be kind toward us now, for you have consoled us.” And after they had spoken, the angel went away wherever the spirit bore him, and no eye ever saw him and all his traces were unknown. Then they saw and understood that he was an angel of the L-rd and had spoken words of truth.

The covetous man wanted twice as much and was as poisoned by his desires and said: “You ask!” But the envious man said to him: “How shall I ask anything when you will double what I desire and take the first-born’s double share though you are the last, and you will have the advantage. How can I set out to better your fate and cause you to have more? If you speak properly, then speak up before me!”

The covetous man felt a fury at heart and turned on him with anger and hit him with a high hand, saying: “You ask at once, and I shall gain after you, for if not I shall destroy you and slay you here and now!” Now when the other saw his hope was lost, he entreated him, saying: “Good sir, please let me be, and I shall ask the first and you shall obtain double afterwards, as long as there is peace between you and me.” The covetous man moved away.

Then envious man began to pray: “0 L-rd, Hear the words of your servant and pay the reverse of Your kindness, so that he may receive what he deserves. Blind me in just one eye but two eyes of my foe, and break one of my arms but give him twice before I go!” And so it came about and darkness dread fell on them both for they became blind, and finally the second received all this twofold, for his prayer was fulfilled.

For he looked at the other and behold both his eyes were dark, while his hands both hung helpless from his sleeves. And both of them re­mained that way in shame and reproach, and they lost all their covetousness and envy and hatred.

Each person is blessed with certain gifts, but resentment leads him to act foolishly, and envy for what others have slays hope and blessings.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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