Envy never enriched any man.
Meaning: Coveting others' possessions diverts energy from productive work that builds genuine wealth.
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 Perseverance
- Fault-finders should be fault-menders. — Those quick to criticize others must prove willing to fix problems themselves through act…
- Save me from my friends. — Betrayal by trusted allies causes deeper harm than obvious enemies ever could.
- March grass never did good. — Early spring growth lacks substance; premature gains wither when hardship returns.
- Hasty men never lack woe. — Rushing through decisions creates preventable problems that patient deliberation would ha…
- Keep some till more come. — Restraint in consumption during plenty ensures survival when scarcity inevitably returns.
- Least said is soonest mended. — Silence prevents wounds that words inflict; restraint in speech preserves relationships b…
From our compliments & insults
- Du hast doch einen Vogel — You're a bit out of your mind.
- Du gehst mir auf den Keks — You're getting on my nerves.
- Schlaumeier — A smart aleck or know-it-all.