Better wear a cloak for religion than religion for a cloak.
Meaning: Authentic faith should guide outward conduct, not merely mask hypocrisy or justify selfish behavior.
Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.
More proverbs about Wisdom
- A plant often removed cannot thrive. — Constant uprooting prevents deep roots and steady growth, whether literal or metaphorical.
- A smart reproof is better than smooth deceit. — Honest criticism that stings teaches growth, while flattery disguised as kindness poisons…
- God help the rich, the poor can beg. — Wealth grants access to assistance and favor, while poverty leaves only desperation as re…
- Riches are like muck, which stink in a heap, but spread abroad make the earth fruitful. — Wealth hoarded breeds corruption and waste, but distributed widely benefits entire commun…
- Better ride on an ass that carries me than a horse that throws me. — Practical utility and reliability matter more than prestige or impressive appearances.
- Follow the river and you'll get to the sea. — Persistence along an established path naturally leads to your destination, even without k…
From our compliments & insults
- できる人 (dekiru hito) — Said of someone highly capable and impressive — the kind of person who makes things happe…
- 懐が深い (futokoro ga fukai) — You're broad-minded, generous of spirit, and able to embrace the complexity of others wit…
- Você é um amor — You're a sweetheart — warm, caring, and impossible not to like.