proverb · Words worth keeping
An excessively modest man goes hungry at times.
An excessively modest man goes hungry at times.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Excessive modesty linked with sometimes going hungry questions restraint that prevents a need being expressed. The saying gives self-effacement a possible practical cost.
What the words are saying
A responsible interpretation does not blame hunger on personality or presume asking will supply resources. A useful application can make requests welcome while recognising barriers and fair responsibilities. Modesty can be a preference, and support should not require a person to become assertive enough to deserve it.
Everyday example
Someone invites a quiet person to state a need and considers how practical support can be made accessible.
When to use it
Use it to discuss expressing needs without blaming deprivation.
What it does not mean
No cause of poverty from modesty or guaranteed help from asking is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 565; PDF page 53; collection label: Assyria/Ethiopia
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Assyria/Ethiopia