Never trust anyone who wants what you've got. Friend or no, envy

Hear the words of Eubie Blake, master of music and survivor of ages, who once declared: “Never trust anyone who wants what you’ve got. Friend or no, envy is an overwhelming emotion.” This saying carries the sting of experience, for it speaks of a truth as ancient as humanity itself: that the fire of envy burns not only in the hearts of enemies, but sometimes in the hearts of friends. And once kindled, that fire can consume loyalty, blind judgment, and poison the well of even the strongest bond.

The ancients often warned of envy. In the sacred writings of many lands, envy is listed among the most dangerous vices, for it eats away at the soul silently, like a worm gnawing at the root of a tree. A thief may be stopped, a warrior may be confronted, but envy is a hidden adversary, smiling while it plots, praising while it resents. Blake, who rose from humble beginnings to fame, knew well the gaze of those who smiled at him yet secretly longed for his place. His words echo the wisdom of all who have suffered betrayal born from covetous desire.

History is filled with examples. Consider Julius Caesar, beloved by Rome, lifted high by victories and honors. Yet among his closest circle were men who wanted what he held—power, glory, authority. Their envy disguised itself as friendship until the day of daggers, when even Brutus, his trusted companion, turned against him. Caesar’s fall was not brought by foreign enemies but by the hands of those who could not bear his greatness. Thus Blake’s words ring true: trust falters where envy dwells, no matter the mask it wears.

And think of the story of Cain and Abel, as told in the ancient scriptures. Abel’s offering was accepted, Cain’s was not. Instead of striving to better himself, Cain allowed envy to fester until it became murder. Here is the oldest lesson of mankind: envy not only destroys the one envied, but also corrupts the envier’s soul. It blinds the eyes, hardens the heart, and turns brother against brother, friend against friend.

Blake’s words are not meant to drive us into suspicion of all, but to awaken us to the strength of envy as an emotion. It is not a passing shadow; it is a storm. When someone desires not only to walk with you, but to possess what you have—your success, your treasure, your gift—beware. For they may, even without intending it, harm you or rejoice at your fall. Wisdom requires discernment: know who celebrates your victories with pure joy, and who secretly feels diminished by them.

The lesson, then, is vigilance. Trust those who honor you without coveting your portion. Share your blessings with those who are glad for you, but guard yourself from those whose eyes darken at your prosperity. In your own heart, too, beware of envy, lest you become what you fear in others. Instead of longing for another’s gift, cultivate your own. For every soul has its portion, and every hand its work, and to chase another’s path is to abandon your own destiny.

So, children of tomorrow, hear this wisdom: envy is a fire that destroys both giver and receiver. Do not trust those who hunger for what you hold, and do not let envy find a home in your own spirit. Celebrate others as you wish to be celebrated, and walk your path with integrity. For only when we honor what is ours and rejoice in what is theirs can friendship be true, and only then can love endure unbroken. This is the teaching of Eubie Blake, carved from the trials of life, and it is wisdom to guard your soul as you walk among men.