ὀφθαλμός ophthalmós from which we get the word ophthalmology and ophthalmologist means literally…eye. Some things aren’t always as simple as they appear. There is a secondary meaning. Envy. When someone is envious that envy is acted out in unbecoming behavior. One of the most telling signs exhibited during envy is the ‘sideways glance’. The jealous look out of the ‘corner of the eye’. Envy φθόνος is a feeling that sours under the weight of sin. It's similar to φθείρω phtheírō which means to decay or break-down. The root (φθ/phth) literally means to waste away. To move down from a higher level or quality/status to a lower form.
Envy and its ‘side eye’ are trying to tear you down to their level because they cannot attain your status or contentment level. They’re miserable. Misery loves company. They give glares or 'looks that kill'. Ironically, some cultures view this side eye as being the proverbial ‘evil eye’ believed to cause misfortune. Plutarch's scientific explanation stated that the eyes were the chief/sole source of the deadly ‘rays’ that acted like poisoned darts from the inner recesses of a person possessing the evil eye. Poison fiery arrows…hence 'look that kill'. Sideways glances with one’s eyes makes plainly visible sin hidden within. Not only can the envious see out but you can see into them. The eye is the window to the soul. The eyes are two-way streets. Sight goes both ways. The reverse, you looking into a person... is ‘insight’. The envious waste away pining for that which they cannot have because it is essentially their own sin that separates them from it. The more they envious envy, the more they’re actually seeing things ‘sideways’ or from a skewed/warped perspective. Thereby corrupting them. Envy…it is a feeling that gloats or is glad when someone that is the object of experiences misfortune or pain. Bottomline, other people’s envy and misfortune is their problem. Happiness. It's a choice folks. Don’t let the envious drag you down. Ignore their stares.
Proverbs 14:30, Mark 7:21-22, John 9:6, Romans 1:29, 1 Corinthians 12:16-17