Sloth is the mother of poverty.

Meaning: Idleness breeds want because accumulated inaction prevents accumulation of resources or opportunity.

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

Translations

Spanish: Pereza, llave de pobreza (literally: Sloth is the key of poverty)

Better are small fish than an empty dish. — Modest sustenance surpasses pride's hunger; accept what you have rather than starve waiti…
He that despiseth small things shall fall by little and little. — Neglecting minor problems allows them to accumulate into catastrophic failure.
A snow year, a rich year. — Abundant winter snow ensures adequate spring water for crops and pastures, bringing prosp…
He that goes softly goes surely. — Moving with deliberate care and caution leads to reliable progress without missteps or re…
Soldiers in peace are like chimneys in summer. — Idle warriors without conflict become useless burdens, their skills and purpose rendered…
A fat sorrow is better than a lean one. — Sharing grief with others diminishes its burden; isolation amplifies even minor sorrows.

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