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The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World
What s truly at the heart of our desires? The Envy of Eve guides readers to understand how desires grow into covetousness and what happens when this sin takes power in our hearts. Covetousness chokes out the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, allowing discontentment to bloom. The key to overcoming is to get to the root of our problem: unbelief a mistrust of God's sovereignty and goodness. An ideal resource for deeper study or group discussion.
256 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2011
207 people are currently reading
1781 people want to read
About the author
Melissa B. Kruger
25 books179 followersMelissa Kruger teaches women at Uptown Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, and at conferences around the country. She regularly writes articles for the Gospel Coalition and Christianity.com, and she is the author of The Envy of Eve. Melissa’s most cherished roles include being a wife to Mike, president of Reformed Theological Seminary–Charlotte, and a mother to her three children, Emma, John, and Kate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
October 17, 2014
Kruger's thoughts on the sin of coveting are convicting and encouraging. I appreciate her insight into how women especially struggle in this area and in our relationships with one another. However, there are a few theological concerns that are quite significant. First, Kruger repeatedly speaks of taking God's glory from Him or affecting His glory. While I agree we can fail to give Him glory, meaning not give Him the praise and honor due to His name and His mighty acts, that's different than saying we can actually take away or affect it.
"Now when God says that he created us for his glory, it cannot mean that he created us so that he would become more glorious, that his beauty and perfection would be somehow increased by us. It is unthinkable that God should become more perfectly God by making something that is not God. It is a staggering but necessary thought that God has always existed, that he never came into being, and that everything which exists which is not God is from his fullness and can never add anything to him which did not come from him. That is what it means to be God; and it should humble us, O, how it should humble us, when we ponder his reality!"~ John Piper
Also, Kruger speaks of Adam and Eve and "their fall" and says that Eve suffered death because of her choice. While it is correct that Eve sinned first, it's crucial to remember that we fell because of Adam.
"It was Adam, not Eve, who was required to explain the tragic alienation from God they both had suffered, and this despite Eve having been the one deceived, the first one to sin, and the one who enticed her husband to follow her into that sin. This is neither a small nor unimportant aspect of the Genesis account: it was Adam whom God first held responsible for the Fall despite Adam being the second sinner in the Garden.
Further, it is because of the sin of Adam--not Eve--that the race of Adam remains under the curse of judgment and death down to this present day."
~Tim Bayly
And finally, Kruger states that just as envy led Eve to the forbidden fruit, so "the inordinate desire of the chief priests led our Savior to the cross." This is incomplete and we must remember that:
"If we were to look at Jesus' death merely as a result of a betrayer's deceit and the Sanhedrin's envy and Pilate's spinelessness and the soldiers' nails and spear, it might seem very involuntary. And the benefit of salvation that comes to us who believe from this death might be viewed as God's way of making a virtue out of a necessity. But once you read Luke 9:51 all such thoughts vanish. Jesus was not accidentally entangled in a web of injustice. The saving benefits of his death for sinners were not an afterthought. God planned it all out of infinite love to sinners like us and appointed a time. Jesus, who was the very embodiment of his Father's love for sinners, saw that the time had come and set his face to fulfill his mission: to die in Jerusalem for our sake. "No one takes my life from me (he said), but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:18)."~ John Piper
"Now when God says that he created us for his glory, it cannot mean that he created us so that he would become more glorious, that his beauty and perfection would be somehow increased by us. It is unthinkable that God should become more perfectly God by making something that is not God. It is a staggering but necessary thought that God has always existed, that he never came into being, and that everything which exists which is not God is from his fullness and can never add anything to him which did not come from him. That is what it means to be God; and it should humble us, O, how it should humble us, when we ponder his reality!"~ John Piper
Also, Kruger speaks of Adam and Eve and "their fall" and says that Eve suffered death because of her choice. While it is correct that Eve sinned first, it's crucial to remember that we fell because of Adam.
"It was Adam, not Eve, who was required to explain the tragic alienation from God they both had suffered, and this despite Eve having been the one deceived, the first one to sin, and the one who enticed her husband to follow her into that sin. This is neither a small nor unimportant aspect of the Genesis account: it was Adam whom God first held responsible for the Fall despite Adam being the second sinner in the Garden.
Further, it is because of the sin of Adam--not Eve--that the race of Adam remains under the curse of judgment and death down to this present day."
~Tim Bayly
And finally, Kruger states that just as envy led Eve to the forbidden fruit, so "the inordinate desire of the chief priests led our Savior to the cross." This is incomplete and we must remember that:
"If we were to look at Jesus' death merely as a result of a betrayer's deceit and the Sanhedrin's envy and Pilate's spinelessness and the soldiers' nails and spear, it might seem very involuntary. And the benefit of salvation that comes to us who believe from this death might be viewed as God's way of making a virtue out of a necessity. But once you read Luke 9:51 all such thoughts vanish. Jesus was not accidentally entangled in a web of injustice. The saving benefits of his death for sinners were not an afterthought. God planned it all out of infinite love to sinners like us and appointed a time. Jesus, who was the very embodiment of his Father's love for sinners, saw that the time had come and set his face to fulfill his mission: to die in Jerusalem for our sake. "No one takes my life from me (he said), but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:18)."~ John Piper
June 3, 2021
Really fantastic book about the importance of contentment and how losing that focus on being content in every circumstance makes us disillusioned and bitter.
February 17, 2021
"The way we live our lives says a lot about the God we worship. Our incessant cravings suggest to others that we worship a God who is not able to satisfy. A bitter spirit says that our God is not able to provide. If we claim God as our parent, yet complain about his decrees and ways, we portray God as a tyrant instead of a loving and compassionate Father. Our desire to obtain life here communicates our belief that heaven is only a possibility instead of an unseen reality. Chasing after our covetous desires shows the watching world that we believe life is found in temporal pleasures rather than the Lord himself." - pg 88
The layout of this book is very clear. Each chapter contains an example of a covetous Biblical character and walks through the pattern of coveting (See, Covet, Take, Hide) in their story and how this pattern presents in our own lives. Each chapter ends by walking through the pattern of power over coveting in our lives: Seek Christ, Desire Rightly, Give Generously and Confess Freely.
The layout of this book is very clear. Each chapter contains an example of a covetous Biblical character and walks through the pattern of coveting (See, Covet, Take, Hide) in their story and how this pattern presents in our own lives. Each chapter ends by walking through the pattern of power over coveting in our lives: Seek Christ, Desire Rightly, Give Generously and Confess Freely.
January 23, 2024
A five star read for sure!! This book is soooo convicting. Would recommend it to everyone who struggles with coveting (which I think would be most of us 😉). It is filled with so much scripture and truth which was very encouraging after all the conviction going on.
We read this for book club and I would definitely recommend for a book club/study. I almost would recommend taking it slower and doing a weekly study and going through the questions.
We read this for book club and I would definitely recommend for a book club/study. I almost would recommend taking it slower and doing a weekly study and going through the questions.
November 3, 2025
Wow! This was an incredibly encouraging and convicting book. It was all substance and no fluff! She got right to the heart of our sin and then she gave clear paths toward rest in the gospel. The way Kruger communicates is insightful and warm at the same time!
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
June 1, 2017
I liked this book a lot. A lot of it challenged & spoke to various areas in my own life.
I used to think coveting was just wanting something that someone else has, but Kruger shows us it's more dangerous than that. It is unbelief - unbelief in God' s sovereignty & goodness, because our hearts are saying we believe He is withholding something we believe will make us happy.
Kruger has a clear writing style & lays her topic out clearly. She describes what coveting is and the similar pattern it seems to follow, often because we compare our lives to others. She uses Biblical stories to back this pattern up & reminds us over & over is that the only cure for coveting is to turn to Christ & be thankful for all He has already given us. She explores the areas we tend to covet in & shows us how foolish we are to imagine these things could ever give us complete happiness.
Finally, she reminds us there is a day coming when all our coveting will end. When all our desires will be met. And that day is when Christ will end all earth's suffering & we shall dwell in His presence forever!
(As a side note, I would say this book is aimed more at women than men. But I'm sure it still has points men can relate to. We all covet at some point).
A great read. A lot of depth in a small book.
I used to think coveting was just wanting something that someone else has, but Kruger shows us it's more dangerous than that. It is unbelief - unbelief in God' s sovereignty & goodness, because our hearts are saying we believe He is withholding something we believe will make us happy.
Kruger has a clear writing style & lays her topic out clearly. She describes what coveting is and the similar pattern it seems to follow, often because we compare our lives to others. She uses Biblical stories to back this pattern up & reminds us over & over is that the only cure for coveting is to turn to Christ & be thankful for all He has already given us. She explores the areas we tend to covet in & shows us how foolish we are to imagine these things could ever give us complete happiness.
Finally, she reminds us there is a day coming when all our coveting will end. When all our desires will be met. And that day is when Christ will end all earth's suffering & we shall dwell in His presence forever!
(As a side note, I would say this book is aimed more at women than men. But I'm sure it still has points men can relate to. We all covet at some point).
A great read. A lot of depth in a small book.
June 8, 2019
An excellent book that gives a biblical, big-picture view of contentment. What I appreciated most about The Envy of Eve is chapter 2, "The Root of Coveting: Unbelief." In this chapter she uncovers the foundation of coveting and all sin - not believing what God has said.
At times, it seems that Kruger's pattern for coveting (see, covet, take, hide) might be a bit of a stretch, but generally works in her examples and provides a helpful grid through which to consider our wayward desires.
This book was recommended by a friend's wife who asked me to consider including it at our church booktable. I'm glad she did. It is a very helpful resource.
At times, it seems that Kruger's pattern for coveting (see, covet, take, hide) might be a bit of a stretch, but generally works in her examples and provides a helpful grid through which to consider our wayward desires.
This book was recommended by a friend's wife who asked me to consider including it at our church booktable. I'm glad she did. It is a very helpful resource.
May 29, 2019
I’ve never read anything from Melissa Kruger except some articles online and this book proved to be a great introduction. She begins with an explanation on what “envy” is, where it began, and where it is rooted. She then specifies different ways women envy and how it looks. There are patterns to our struggles with envy and she follows them in each chapter, making it an easy read but it goes in much depth. She provides hope and ways to fight against envy. I was convicted but didn’t feel condemned. I would highly recommend this book to new believers and mature ones alike!
July 12, 2023
So good and convicting. I loved every second of it.
February 11, 2022
Glad I read it. I recommend it. It wasn’t the kind of book I couldn’t put down, but as I reflect on its content, there’s just so much good stuff in there.
She focuses a lot on two things: God’s sovereignty and His goodness. It’s repetitive, in a good way. Really drills home the fact that God is a) in complete control of all our circumstances and b) He is working everything for our good and He is utterly trustworthy.
Kruger was also able to expand my understanding of what covetousness actually is. Before, I had thought of it as so straightforward - like, I see a friend’s new car (jacket, diamond ring, whatever) and I wish I had it. But she really explores a wide variety of ways we can covet and many were things I’ve done before and didn’t even register were coveting. Eye opening and convicting.
Another bonus is she quotes other authors often and she does it well. A couple Richard Baxter quotes that I loved:
“O that Christians would learn to live with one eye on Christ crucified and the other on His coming in glory!”
And “What keeps us under trouble is either we do not expect what God has promised, or we expect what He has not promised.”
Each chapter ends with questions for personal reflection or group discussion.
She focuses a lot on two things: God’s sovereignty and His goodness. It’s repetitive, in a good way. Really drills home the fact that God is a) in complete control of all our circumstances and b) He is working everything for our good and He is utterly trustworthy.
Kruger was also able to expand my understanding of what covetousness actually is. Before, I had thought of it as so straightforward - like, I see a friend’s new car (jacket, diamond ring, whatever) and I wish I had it. But she really explores a wide variety of ways we can covet and many were things I’ve done before and didn’t even register were coveting. Eye opening and convicting.
Another bonus is she quotes other authors often and she does it well. A couple Richard Baxter quotes that I loved:
“O that Christians would learn to live with one eye on Christ crucified and the other on His coming in glory!”
And “What keeps us under trouble is either we do not expect what God has promised, or we expect what He has not promised.”
Each chapter ends with questions for personal reflection or group discussion.
April 7, 2022
Felt like a punch in the gut at times - in a good way! Melissa doesn’t come off as preachy, but shares her own challenges and lessons learning (without sounding trite!) with the reader.
September 21, 2025
Second time reading this through. Contentment is always a timely issue and as the subtitle suggests, due to a covetous world. Many reminders, many new takeaways as seasons God has put me in have changed. The biggest one being that if I want to pursue godliness and contentment, I must daily look back to the cross and forward to Heaven's glorious reality. I am thankful for Christ and that He is all in all. What a blessing, what a hope!
October 27, 2017
An excerpt of a review recently posted on Schaeffer's Ghost:
For Kruger, the root of covetousness is, quite simply, unbelief. This is a truth that I am discovering on a regular basis—that my besetting sins result not from a lack of effort (alone), nor from a lack of ability, nor from any other more physical shortcoming: they result from a lack in my faith. When I sin, it is a clear sign that there is some piece of the Gospel that I do not believe, some characteristic of God and His work that I ignore or deny.Full review available here.
In the case of covetousness, Kruger argues that the root unbelief is three-fold: unbelief in the character of God (specifically His sovereignty and goodness), unbelief in our purpose (that we were created to be in relationship with and glorify God and to be with Him for all eternity), and unbelief in our relationships. If these are the root cause of envy, it follows that the remedy is to increase our belief that God is in fact both good and sovereign, that our relationship with Him matters more than (and will outlast) our circumstances, that He will bring glory to Himself through those circumstances, that He knows which circumstances will maximize our sanctification and long-term joy, and that we can therefore celebrate the blessings received by others. Preach it, sister.
May 17, 2018
Just finished this book a second time as we used it for a book club with the women at church. I cannot sing its praises enough. Melissa Kruger is incredibly organized in the structure of this book, which is so helpful. The first four chapters of the book are more theory and theology based while the final half of the book is more application based. As a result, we met twice to discuss the book and divided it accordingly.
She lays out a definition of coveting by defining what it is and what it is not. Then she pulls from two biblical examples (Eve and Achan) and traces this pattern in their lives. Finally, she points to the author and perfector of our faith--Jesus himself--as the one who overcame coveting by establishing a new pattern.
The final five chapters focus on specific types of coveting and draw from biblical examples. She traces the pattern of coveting in their lives, traces how we see this particular type of coveting in our own lives, then points to how we imitate Jesus by putting on the new pattern. The final two chapters of the book (Coveting Seasons and Circumstances, and CovetingGiftedness and Abilities) were especially poignant and powerful for me.
The only shame about this book is that it's too bad it's targeted so specifically toward women as the entire church would benefit from such a gem!
She lays out a definition of coveting by defining what it is and what it is not. Then she pulls from two biblical examples (Eve and Achan) and traces this pattern in their lives. Finally, she points to the author and perfector of our faith--Jesus himself--as the one who overcame coveting by establishing a new pattern.
The final five chapters focus on specific types of coveting and draw from biblical examples. She traces the pattern of coveting in their lives, traces how we see this particular type of coveting in our own lives, then points to how we imitate Jesus by putting on the new pattern. The final two chapters of the book (Coveting Seasons and Circumstances, and CovetingGiftedness and Abilities) were especially poignant and powerful for me.
The only shame about this book is that it's too bad it's targeted so specifically toward women as the entire church would benefit from such a gem!
February 1, 2022
I originally bought this book to be helpful towards a friend and other people who I know in my life. To gain knowledge to help others find contentment. After reading the book about halfway I realized I needed it just as much as anyone else. I had no idea contentment was an issue for me until this book pointed it out. This book is very helpful and humbling. It took me a long time to read it just to process it. Definitely a good book to do with a small group or one to discuss with someone! Highly recommend.
September 12, 2023
“In order to have present contentment, we must keep looking back to the cross and forward to heaven.”
November 20, 2020
This is my second time reading this book in the last 8 months or so--this time slowly, a chapter a week, as a part of a group of other women. The book is still excellent, still solidly rooted in Biblical teaching, and still convicting.
I think I'm going to stick it on my "read every spring" list.
I think I'm going to stick it on my "read every spring" list.
May 25, 2021
So well written and a great book to study with a group. Such a convicting topic, but something that needs to be discussed more in Christian circles. I learned so much about myself and where I fall short in my love for Christ and others but was constantly reminded of the grace that we have through our savior. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a good, challenging read!!
October 19, 2022
Enjoyed the author’s writing style. She pointed us heavenward, finding contentment in Christ, regardless of our earthly circumstances. I disagreed with some theological points but still enjoyed it. Always find I get more out of a book when I study it with a group!
October 16, 2023
Easily one of the best Christian books I’ve ever read. It is for any woman in any stage of life. I found it encouraging and especially applicable to the current culture of comparison/social media. Seriously… everyone go purchase this book right now!
December 28, 2021
Read in small group. Good questions for discussion!
March 5, 2025
Called out and into something greater than my comparison and coveting. This book is excellent - so thankful I read this book in this current season of life. God is just the greatest.
November 28, 2025
Really thought provoking. Great truths to meditate on even if coveting isn’t an issue that stands out as one of your sin struggles.
June 10, 2025
Listened to this book on Audible. I never considered coveting to be a significant area of sin in my life, but after reading this book, my eyes were opened to just how often I struggle with comparison and envy. It revealed patterns in my thinking and helped me recognize the deeper motivations of my heart.
September 12, 2025
Very good book. Took me a while to get through not because the book wasn’t good but because I have the bad habit of starting a bunch of books at one time. 😅 I will be referring to this book for years to come.
July 12, 2025
“We need to allow the reality of Christ’s mercy for us to invade all areas of our life and fill us anew with the joy of our redemption and salvation. In focusing on his mercy, we will find a contentment and joy that will give us abundance in every season.”
I really enjoyed this book. It was eye opening for me to see how coveting really can eat up so many parts of our life and worship and relationships. I’m really hoping to be able to do this book with a Bible study group at some point because I feel like I could get a lot more out of it by taking the time to get into the Biblical examples of coveting and all the questions at the end of each chapter!
I really enjoyed this book. It was eye opening for me to see how coveting really can eat up so many parts of our life and worship and relationships. I’m really hoping to be able to do this book with a Bible study group at some point because I feel like I could get a lot more out of it by taking the time to get into the Biblical examples of coveting and all the questions at the end of each chapter!
July 2, 2012
Laid out in two parts, Mrs. Kruger first explores what covetousness really is and points us to Christ as the only solution. She follows this up with five chapters on specific areas in which we covet: money and possessions, romantic relationships, family and friendship, seasons and circumstances, and giftedness and abilities.Rooted in scripture and grace, I found myself lovingly chastised, and always pointed to hope in Christ. I know I will be coming back and re-reading The Envy of Eve for a long time. I highly recommend it for a women’s bible study.
May 6, 2016
Kruger does a great job showing the real dangers of the sin of envy. More than that, she points the way to true contentment, and does so in helpful, practical ways. Her writing slowed a bit for me at times (not often), with the retelling of a few familiar Bible stories and some repetition of ideas. But overall a real gem. Strongly recommended.
p. 103
"Living a contented, joyful life can only come from Christ's power at work in our hearts."
p. 241
"As we daily abide in Christ, our goal becomes glorifying Him through simple acts of obedience, done out of love and thanksgiving."
p. 103
"Living a contented, joyful life can only come from Christ's power at work in our hearts."
p. 241
"As we daily abide in Christ, our goal becomes glorifying Him through simple acts of obedience, done out of love and thanksgiving."
June 9, 2025
So much better than I even expected! It was insightful and pointed out areas of sin that I’d never realised before, along with practical ways of overcoming them.
I was so encouraged as well to understand that my personal walk with God is something worth striving in. It may not always be easy but coming to Him and trusting Him helps us to live His way and overcome sins.
It seems geared towards women but I’ve already recommended this book to my husband because it would be helpful to all. We all covet other circumstances and talents at times, so it’s very applicable.
I was so encouraged as well to understand that my personal walk with God is something worth striving in. It may not always be easy but coming to Him and trusting Him helps us to live His way and overcome sins.
It seems geared towards women but I’ve already recommended this book to my husband because it would be helpful to all. We all covet other circumstances and talents at times, so it’s very applicable.
May 1, 2022
I took a long time to read this book, reading a page or even just a paragraph at a time each morning with my prayers and journaling. When I was given this book by a woman who has been a mentor to me and I thought, hmmmm…I don’t suffer much from envy. Wow! Was I ever wrong. This book spiritually challenged me to look at some of the dark nooks and crannies within myself that needed to be brought to light. A 5 star read, one that fed me and helped me to grow in my walk with the Lord.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews