Do all the good you talk of; but talk not of all the good you do.
Meaning: Genuine virtue acts quietly; publicizing your kindness undermines its moral authenticity and suggests self-serving motives.
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 Communication
- A good word is as soon said as an ill one. — Kindness costs no more effort than cruelty, so choose generosity without hesitation or ex…
- He's a good friend that speaks well of us behind our backs. — True friendship reveals itself in loyalty when no personal gain or flattery is possible.
- We shall lie all alike in our graves. — Death's finality erases all earthly distinctions of wealth, status, and achievement betwe…
- "Hardly ever" saves many a lie. — Silence prevents false claims by avoiding the need to explain or justify hasty words.
- What the heart thinketh, the tongue speaketh. — Unguarded speech reveals our true thoughts and character; we cannot conceal our inner nat…
- Many a true word is spoken in jest. — Humor provides cover for uncomfortable truths that people avoid stating seriously.