Envy: A Big Problem You Didn't Know You Had

by Mike Fabarez

It’s often undetected—but if you knew the damage it was causing, you’d do everything possible to root it out!

Envy. It’s insidious. Pervasive. Corrosive. In the age of materialism and social media, it’s difficult not to feel the creep of this increasing and ever-present temptation. Pastor and teacher Mike Fabarez diagnoses the problem of this pervasive sin. He brings the reader to biblical stories with often-overlooked ties to envy that expose and demonstrate the seriousness and harm caused by our unexamined motives. When envy is allowed to reside unchecked in our hearts, there are internal, relational, and societal costs—Envy explores all of these.

But we are not left to despair. Instead, we are invited to know a kind and gracious Father who calls us to identify and assault this enemy. We can live with satisfaction and contentment. This book explores biblical ways to shore up our hearts and minds and close the gaps that leave us vulnerable to envy’s temptations. By understanding life in the body of Christ, readers learn to truly rejoice with those who rejoice. And we leave with a deeper capacity for grace and selfless love. With a pastoral heart, Fabarez reassures Christians of a divine hope and promise of an eternal kingdom where hearts are content, and joy is full.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Counselling, Christian Living

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2023

About the author

DR. MIKE FABAREZ is the founding pastor of Compass Bible Church in Aliso Viejo, California. He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Talbot School of Theology, and Westminster Theological Seminary in California. Mike is heard on hundreds of stations on the Focal Point radio program and has authored several books, including Lifelines for Tough Times, Preaching That Changes Lives, and Bible Survey for Kids. Mike and his wife Carlynn have three children, Matthew, John and Stephanie.

Reviews

[Amanda E. (aebooksandwords) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Envy: A Big Problem You Didn’t Know You Had” by Mike Fabarez starts with an important statement: “We must never forget that the most difficult and personal war we are called to engage in is waged on the *interior* battlefield of our lives.” And it is immensely true. We must seek to grow in the fruit of the Spirit with the help of the Spirit of God. This book, of course, focuses on the problem of envy.

I found the author’s writing engaging and enjoyed his conversational style. I also appreciated how he masterfully intertwined examples from the Bible with our own every day life as people who struggle with envy. Most of all, this book was incredibly convicting (in such a good way!), tackling this topic deeply and bringing things to surface that we often miss or dismiss.

I highlighted so many wisdom-filled sentences in this book! Here are some of those:

“Envy, like all other sins, is so much easier to detect in others than it is in ourselves.”

“God's truth is dependably and ‘actively’ sitting on our shelves, and digitally encoded in our phones, waiting to be opened to ‘pierce’ our own souls with conviction over our sin and to dig deep into our lives to discern ‘the thoughts and intentions of the heart’ (Heb. 4:12).”

“The solutions are graciously provided and are available, but before sin can be remedied it must be accurately detected.”

“Picking up a spear seems so extreme—especially when I heard the account as a kid in Sunday school…
But I get it. We want the person we envy to stop it. Stop being who they are. Stop having what they have. Stop taking all the stuff we want for ourselves. I'm sure we have thrown plenty of metaphorical spears at the people we have envied.”

Thank you to Moody Publishers for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Chipego (pagedbypego) · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st read 2023.
This is a gem.. I'm not sure how I stumbled on it but I'm glad I did..
Mike does such a great job at showing how subtle and sinister Envy is.
This book shows how in some shape or form all of us have been tempted by the sin of envy or struggle with envy.
It's a sin not many people are willing to admit they struggle with however there is redemption and it can be overcome.

The title rings true. If you think you don't struggle with envy you should probably read this and check again,there's a very high possibility Mike's on to you.

Truly truly recommend it. It'll send you an honest heart check and you'll be better for it after.

Edit : Re-read 2025.
Still a very good book. In my first read I somehow missed the aspect of how at the end of the we don't love people that we envy. Definitely hit hard.

Good read

[Erica Schrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle hits the nail on the head. In this book, Pastor Mike clearly defines envy and convinces the reader of the far-reaching destruction it causes through a skillful and clear presentation of the scriptures. Not only does it help the reader identify and desire to turn from envy, but half of the book is also dedicated to giving the reader the action-plan needed for eradicating envy from one’s life. Written with a pastoral heart, a bit of wit, and a ton of scriptural support, this book was the most enjoyable spiritual gut-punch I’ve ever received.

This book is a MUST READ for every Christian. The cost of missing this sin is too high when personal sanctification and the purity of the church is at stake. I know this book is one that I will return to many times over the years.

[Kyle Cardoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more like a 4.5/5. We have all experienced moments of jealousy and envy, not only among friends and family, but even people we dislike. However, after reading this book, it is clear that moments like this are unproductive and worthless. If there is one major idea, thought there are many, to live by from this short book, it is that we must practice gratitude, love, and rejoicing on a daily basis, even when our mind or soul says to do the opposite. Even with people we don’t necessarily care for or respect. Even with those that are not close to us or may not live a religious life.

Highly recommend!

[Helen Purdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear presentation of our sin that we don’t want to acknowledge. Pastor Mike Fabarez uses scripture clearly and succinctly to explain the Truth of the sin, the evidence of our nature, and the exact places to refocus our eyes and heart when desiring what others enjoy. This book can be a quick read, or a deep dive for the sincerely repentant follower of Christ.

[Shelley Lawler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have liked more examples of how envy sneaks up on us as this sin is so much in your mind and easily excused. I especially found the counterattack chapters on loving others and rejoicing helpful.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book aims beyond the surface and cuts straight to the heart of the real issue behind deep pain points for many people, and then offers the biblical answer. It’s must-read good medicine.

[Madalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! A must read!

[Holly Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet and got right to the heart of things! Great book with sound Biblical advice and also practical tips!

[Joanne Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a must read. I’m going to go through this with my kids. Well written, easy to read and apply.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How egregious is the sin of envy? In Envy, Mike Fabarez exposes and attacks a big problem you didn’t know you had. In a tight 120 pages, Fabarez tackles the topic from multiple angles, providing Biblical proofs and personal stories to help.


Hidden in Hearts

The book begins by exposing envy as a sin that can easily hide in our hearts. Fabarez goes on to explain the internal, relational, and societal costs of envy. I was most compelled to read about the “false advertising” that fuels our envy of others – whether it’s making assumptions based off what we see on one Sunday morning or on a curated collection of perfect Instagram posts.

Fabarez provides three counterattacks to envy: Evaluating, loving and rejoicing. I was convicted to see how self-sacrifice and servanthood are the ways of our Savior.


Contentment and Joy in Christ

Fabarez gives plenty of practical, real-life examples about how we battle envy. He gives an illustration about being able to rejoice with a friend about getting a house - something I can immediately relate to. Practice makes perfect when it comes to eliminating envy, and there are many opportunities to celebrate, rejoice, and genuinely love others.

The book ends by pointing us towards heaven, where our war with envy will cease. After reading, I am warned and aware of the work I need to do in my own life. I see that God is the giver of all of our gifts. And I am drawn closer to Christ, in whom we can find true contentment and joy.


I received a media copy of Envy and this is my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read. I listened to it on audiobook while cleaning the house today. Packed with Scripture this book really lays out the origins of envy, the devastation it causes, and the remedy to it. It looks at not just how we envy, but also how we present ourselves (such as on social media) that causes others to envy us. Do we want people to be sorrowful when they see our posts? Or be resentful? Envy destroys relationships.

A few big points that I noted in my Commonplace Journal: " Our work is supposed to be done as for the Lord and not for people", "I need to recognize God's equipping in my own life to live humbly, lovingly, and productively in the garden where God has planted me", and the biggest one that hit hard was "Love is antithetical to envy. 1 Corinthians 13. You cannot love those you envy"...and Christ's greatest command is to love Him and to Love your neighbor.

I'm definitely going to be ordering the physical copy of this and rereading this one. There is so much rich practical theology in it. Go get it. Just as the subtitle says, envy is a big problem you didn't know you had.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Moody Publishers for a gifted copy of the book. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This is a book I have had on my radar for months and I’m so glad I finally read it. The landscape of social media can easily lead to discontentment and envy if we are not vigilant. This book addresses these issues head on and offers a practical, biblical foundation to combat this pitfall. These biblical truths convicted, challenged, and encouraged me to examine my heart. This is sure to be another book I reference repeatedly over the years. I plan to read more from the author as well. I highly recommend this book!

[Addy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. I found the audiobook version to be engaging and well-done. Mike Fabarez wrote with humility and grace, while also acknowledging how serious the sin of envy is and how we, as Christians, should make every effort to fight against it. I came away from it feeling humbled yet hopeful. I will definitely be going back to this book in the future, especially when I find myself struggling with envy.

5 stars!

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wondering why he didnt choose a green cover for envy... I like the cover, but it's giving Jackbox game.



A small but solid book on the power and destruction that comes from envy. Mainly got out of it his call to counterattack envy with gratitude, love, and rejoicing.

[Paul Pompa · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the topic has come up on a regular basis in God's Word and in the books I've read, this is the first read in which the topic is expounded. Definitely some (but not in depth) biblical insight, definitely some practical application. Only a little more than 100 pages. The book definitely exposes the depth of this issue for me personally, and for the culture generally.

[Ruth Earls · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow wow wow this book is so good. It's small but it's pages are packed with wisdom and biblical insight. I took so many notes in my Bible and highlighted so much. looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Elishevlyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

Read with Lauren. Enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first. Book had good wisdom on confronting envy and related emotions. Overall consensus is I have a problem just left of what the book was describing but good enough read nonetheless.

[Brittany Gunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and to the point with a lot of helpful tips to help identify and eliminate envy in our lives.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Convicting and so helpful.

[Emily Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Listened on audio but would love to get a hard copy. Very convicting!

[Emily ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author tackled this big mini problem with wisdom and sound advice straight out of scripture. Recommend to anyone struggling with this sin.