There's nothing agrees worse than a proud mind and a beggar's purse.
Meaning: Pride blinds the poor to accepting help or lowering expectations to match their circumstances.
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 Wisdom
- Proverbs are the texts of common life. — Wisdom emerges not from theoretical abstractions but from observing patterns in ordinary…
- He that pryeth into every cloud, may be stricken with a thunder-bolt. — Excessive curiosity about dangerous or forbidden matters invites the very harm one seeks…
- Pull gently on a weak rope. — Excessive force on fragile things causes them to break; restraint and care preserve what'…
- It is easier to pull down than to build. — Destruction requires less effort, skill, and time than creating something of lasting valu…
- Let your purse be your master. — Spending wisely means letting your financial capacity, not desires, determine your purcha…
- He that shows his purse longs to be rid of it. — Displaying wealth openly invites theft, so the careless advertiser unconsciously desires…
From our false friends
- Lectura — Actually means 'reading'. A lecture is una conferencia.
- Compromiso — Actually means 'commitment', 'obligation', or 'engagement'. For a negotiated compromise,…
- Gracioso — Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.