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Practice what you preach

Meaning: Live according to the principles you advocate.

Origin: Biblical idiom from Matthew 23:3, widely adopted in English.

Translations

  • French: Il faut prêcher par l'exemple (literally: One must preach by example)
  • Spanish: Predica con el ejemplo (literally: Preach with the example)
  • Japanese: 言行一致 (Genkō itchi) (literally: Words and actions in accord)

More proverbs about Morality

  • Cleanliness is next to godliness — Being clean is a virtue akin to being pious.
  • Pride comes before a fall — Arrogance often precedes failure.
  • The wheels of justice turn slowly — Justice takes time but eventually arrives.
  • The ends justify the means — A good outcome excuses questionable methods.
  • Charity begins at home — Take care of your own family before helping others.
  • Don't look a gift horse in the mouth — Don't question the value of a gift.

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