The brain that sows not corn, plants thistles.

Meaning: Idleness breeds destructive habits; a mind unused for constructive purpose defaults to harmful preoccupations.

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

More proverbs about Wisdom

• He who would have a hare for breakfast must hunt over night. — Success requires preparation and effort before the moment of need arrives.
• Brevity is the soul of wit. — Sharp minds compress meaning into few words; excess dulls the blade of cleverness.
• As you brew, so shall you bake. — Careless preparation in one step inevitably ruins the final product, however carefully yo…
• There is no deceit in a brimmer. — A full cup offered openly invites honest scrutiny and leaves no room for hidden dealings…
• A broken leg is not healed by a silk stocking. — Expensive remedies cannot substitute for proper treatment of fundamental problems.
• A burden which one chooses is not felt. — Willingly undertaken hardships feel lighter than those imposed against your will.

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