Cain and Jealousy

The incident of Cain and Abel was meant to teach a very basic truth about human nature. If one gives in to this negativity, he can literally destroy himself.

The tragedy of one brother killing another was exasperated by the cause of this terrible act.

The Torah describes how each brother took upon himself a different profession. Cain was the farmer and Abel was the shepherd. Each decided to make an offering to G-d. Abel was generous with his offering, while Cain offered inferior produce.

When it became clear that Hashem accepted Abel’s gift over that of his brother, Cain was consumed with jealousy. This was his motivation in taking his brother’s life.

We have been introduced to the dangers of giving in to jealousy and how harmful it can be. It begins by being unable to appreciate what one has. Instead he becomes fixated on another person.

This becomes an obsession to the point where he cannot stand to see this other person succeed. He feels inferior to him and this thought consumes him. He would love to see this other person fall and does not wish him well.

Such people find no happiness in life, and are miserable because they feel they are more worthy of success than the adversary they have created.

We must realize how harmful and dangerous it is to be jealous. We must see the importance of being content with our lot in life. Focusing on others, is counterproductive. We are only harming ourselves. The Torah taught this lesson with Cain and Abel. We must learn this lesson well. It will save us unnecessary grief and sadness. Being happy with our lot in life, is the key to all good things.