The term Peter uses here is the same word Matthew used to describe the Jews’ motive for delivering Jesus to Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:18). Paul lists “envy” as one of the ungodly qualities characterizing those whom God has given up to a debased mind (Romans 1:28–31; see also Galatians 5:21). The jealousy and discontentment that come with envy can have no place in the hidden heart of the person born again through imperishable seed, and these would by definition give the lie to an outward expression of “sincere brotherly love” (1 Peter 1:22). In fact, “envy” is often the cause of the “malice” that one retains in his heart toward another.