情けは人の為ならず
なさけはひとのためならず
expression
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.
As the saying goes, kindness goes around and comes around back to you.
Usage
Literally 'kindness is not for the sake of others': a kindness done for someone else eventually comes back to benefit you.
Close English equivalents
- What goes around comes around
- Cast your bread upon the waters
- One good turn deserves another
Watch out
Many native speakers read it the other way, as 'being kind to people does them no good' (it spoils them). The traditional meaning is that kindness benefits the giver.
Etymology
The ending of 情けは人の為ならず is the classical negative of the copula, 'is not for the sake of'; modern Japanese would say 為ではない. The idea is close to 因果応報 (good deeds bring good results).