You reap what you sow
Meaning: Your actions determine your outcomes.
Origin: From Paul's letter to the Galatians (6:7): "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." The farming image — the harvest matches the seed — makes it one of the plainest statements that actions have consequences.
Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, and German
- French: On récolte ce qu'on sème (literally: You harvest what you sow)
- Spanish: Quien siembra vientos, recoge tempestades (literally: Who sows winds, reaps storms)
- Japanese: 自業自得 (Jigō jitoku) (literally: One's own karma, one's own reward)
- German: Was der Mensch sät, das wird er ernten (literally: What a person sows, that he will reap)
More proverbs about Morality
- An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind — Revenge only creates more suffering.
- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you — Treat people the way you want to be treated.
- Don't bite the hand that feeds you — Don't harm those who help you.
- People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones — Don't criticize others if you have the same faults.
- The road to hell is paved with good intentions — Good plans are worthless without follow-through.
- The truth shall set you free — Honesty and truth lead to liberation.