Among the Yoruba, envy is regarded as a poverty of the heart, not a lack of possessions. The envious are seldom many, for ìwà búburú kì í pọ̀ l’ọ́jà—evil character never becomes the way of the majority.
Our elders teach that the truly prosperous person is not the one who owns the most, but the one whose heart rejoices at another’s success. The envious, however, cannot celebrate another’s blessings. They are troubled by another person’s honour, disturbed by another’s progress, and pained by another’s peace.
Such people are recognised in every community. They smile with their lips while their hearts burn with bitterness. They covet not only another’s wealth but also another’s position, influence, reputation, and sometimes even the life that Providence has graciously bestowed upon that person.
That is why the wise keep a respectful distance from those consumed by envy, for our fathers say: “Àrùn ojú kì í jẹ́ kí ẹni rí ire ẹlòmíràn.” (The sickness of envy prevents a person from seeing another’s blessings with a clear heart.)
A community flourishes where people celebrate one another, for another person’s light does not diminish your own. As another Yoruba saying reminds us, “Oorun kì í dín kù nítorí pé ó tan ìmọ́lẹ̀ sí ilé ẹlòmíràn.” (The sun loses nothing by shining on another’s home.) It is contentment, good character (ìwà pẹ̀lẹ́), and gratitude—not envy—that preserve families, kingdoms, and society.
The SixthSense Initiative is a registered NGO hugely promoting children reading culture and human capacity development.
Chief Abiodun Lasile DL MnbR
Orunto Baalufe Owu Kingdom Abeokuta
