情けは人の為ならず
なさけはひとのためならず
expression (proverb)
kindness is not for others' sake alone; what goes around comes around
1.
kindness benefits oneself, what goes around comes around
A proverb meaning that being kind to others is not just for their benefit—it will eventually come back to help you as well.
情けは人の為ならずというから、困っている人を助けよう。
Since kindness comes back to you, let's help those in need.
情けは人の為ならずと言うように、親切は巡り巡って自分に返ってくる。
As the saying goes, kindness goes around and comes around back to you.
ボランティア活動は情けは人の為ならずの精神だ。
Volunteering embodies the spirit that kindness benefits everyone.
PROVERB MEANING:
Literally: 'Kindness is not for the sake of others.' This means that helping others isn't done solely for their benefit—the kindness will eventually return to benefit you as well.
COMMON MISINTERPRETATION:
Many Japanese people misunderstand this proverb to mean 'Being too kind to people isn't good for them' (i.e., spoiling them). However, the correct meaning is the opposite: kindness ultimately benefits the giver.
ORIGIN:
From the Buddhist concept of 因果応報 (karma)—good deeds return as good fortune.
ENGLISH EQUIVALENTS:
- What goes around comes around
- Cast your bread upon the waters
- One good turn deserves another
- Pay it forward
GRAMMAR NOTE:
為ならず is classical Japanese negative form. In modern Japanese, this would be 為ではない.