When we are envious, we try to imitate God. We do not realize that whatever position we achieve comes only by God’s grace. Instead we think our status comes by dint of our own abilities, and we think that we can therefore surpass everyone—that there is no one better or more intelligent than ourselves. We have to break that tendency if we wish to become Krsna conscious. Krsna very kindly and mercifully breaks the pride of His devotees, because pride and envy stop us from advancing in Krsna consciousness.
Lectures From a Disciple, p. 277, SB 4.30.12-13