Thoughts on the "evil eye"

[TheIndianGirl]

What are your thoughts on the "evil eye"? What I mean is, people generally keeping their blessings private so others don't give them the "evil eye". The worry is that people giving the "evil eye" would cause some sort of misfortune. Belief in the "evil eye" may be cultural, where people guard their blessings and don't tell others. However, is there Biblical support for this or is it pure superstition?

 

[BonnieClaire]

In American culture if you don't keep your blessings private the IRS will give you the evil eye...and that's not superstition

 

[oyster67]

What are your thoughts on the "evil eye"? What I mean is, people generally keeping their blessings private so others don't give them the "evil eye". The worry is that people giving the "evil eye" would cause some sort of misfortune. Belief in the "evil eye" may be cultural, where people guard their blessings and don't tell others. However, is there Biblical support for this or is it pure superstition?

Most of the people where I live openly flaunt their wealth and believe it is God's blessing for being more virtuous than the poor people all round them. They seem to enjoy being envied. Is your culture different?

 

[TheIndianGirl]

Most of the people where I live openly flaunt their wealth and believe it is God's blessing for being more virtuous than the poor people all round them. They seem to enjoy being envied. Is your culture different?

I hear the term sometimes. My cousin didn't want to post pictures of her baby because of the evil eye. Some people do flaunt, but others hide news of their blessings because of the evil eye, and are more secretive.

 

[Blik]

Voodoo is an extreme example of giving the evil eye and it is a powerful force involving demons. As Christians we are more powerful than demons, through prayer the evil eye cannot affect us.

It is as dangerous to give the evil eye as to be given it, for demons are always involved. That is why God tells us to bless those who mistreat you.

 

[pottersclay]

I believe God wants us to share what blessing he has given. It's part of the testament of our lives.
But knowing that you in no way deserve nor can work for a blessing for it is God's grace there is no need to flaunt and you shouldn't.

The evil eye belief is actually a troubled heart in need. Jealousy, envy, coveting.
Sometimes it's hard for us to be happy for one that been blessed when we are in need of something or the very same thing .
It's issues of the heart.

 

[Dino246]

For anyone seriously interested in the topic, I recommend this video. It's about 76 minutes long. Dr. Michael Heiser (the scholar on the video) is a Semitics and Old Testament specialist.

 

[Lanolin]

I think while the Bible doesnt mention the 'evil eye' specifically, heres some instances where it was generally considered not kosher to flaunt your riches or goodies around to someone whos poorer or less well off


Jesus telling his disciples not to spread word of all the good he was doing, and not to call him good (only God is good)

The Bibles advice to weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice

James writing that if you have fine clothes you dont then tell someone in rags to go sit in a corner and then. completely ignore them