LEV377 The early Sages would pray "that we not envy others, nor they envy us" (Yerushalmi, Berachos 4:2). Why did they pray for others with respect to this trait more than with respect to other traits? The idea is that many men cause others to envy them. When they don beautiful clothing and do not avail others of what is theirs, they arouse envy and covetousness. They would, therefore, pray for others, lest they cause them envy, and the Torah has said [this verse]: "And do not place a stumbling block before the blind." Therefore, it is a virtuous trait in a man not to wear unusually beautiful or costly garments, neither he, his wife, nor his children. The same applies to food and other matters--so that others not envy him. But if one has been graciously favored by the Blessed Creator with wealth and property, let him benefit others thereby, both rich and poor, and comport himself gently with them and accord them lovingkindness. We have already expanded upon the great desirability of being beloved by others. And when he is beloved by all men, they will not envy him and will not desire what is his.