Vs. 18 - Jealousy is birthed in evil therefore the results of deep-seeded jealousy will produce evil fruit. It is not a new concept, look back at Genesis 4: 1-8.

Vs. 20 - Jealousy will often lead to other forms of evil also. Not only were his brothers going to kill him but they were going to lie about it and conceal the truth. Jealousy was the motivating factor which got Lucifer removed from heaven (Isaiah 14: 12-23 & Ezekiel 28: 12-19). Jealousy rises from a personal lust to have what someone else has.

Vs. 21-22 - Rueben's plan was not anymore humane nor right compared to his brothers. He did not want him killed and was able to avert that, but would not stand up for what was really right and rebuke the whole idea. There will generally be one in every group that wants peace but doesn't know how to get it or stand up for it. Because the fear of persecution from these same brothers Rueben's plan was still deceitful and a compromise. It is time to stop the compromising of truth and what is right and time for true Christians to stand up and make their voice heard. The integrity of the "church" has been sold into slavery because true Christians are too cowardly to rely on God and take the necessary stand. Fear of persecution was not a factor in the first church, yet today it would cause a massive exodus from the mainline churches. I think it is what is needed to find the true believers!

Vs. 26-27 - More deceit and lies! Can you see the long trail that can evolve from jealousy? They sell him off like a piece of merchandise as a slave, just as Judas did in essence with Jesus. They were all content - Jealousy is content with getting rid of the problem instead of dealing with it. In this case the problem was not Joseph but the condition of his brother's hearts. In all cases involving jealousy, it is always a heart problem.