This short work condemns envy as the most destructive human passion: a secret, corrosive sorrow at another's prosperity that wastes the envious person like poison. Envy prevents joy, fosters hidden hostility, and delights in others' misfortune while pretending goodwill. It corrupts relationships, opposes God's generosity, and has driven the devil and biblical figures (Cain, Saul) to fratricide and attempted murder. St. Basil urges readers to flee envy-an irrational, self-destructive disease that undermines nature, kinship, and gratitude-and to seek remedies rather than rejoice in others' falls.