First deserve and then desire.

Meaning: Merit earned precedes rightful ambition; establish capability before claiming reward.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Wisdom

• Desires are nourished by delays. — Postponing what you want intensifies your craving rather than diminishing it.
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• Dogs bark before they bite. — Aggression is usually preceded by warning signs if you pay attention to them.
• Do well, and have well. — Virtuous actions naturally produce good outcomes; integrity yields its own rewards.
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• Better be envied than pitied. — Living with others' jealousy over your success beats enduring their sympathy for your fai…

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