情けは人のためならず

なさけはひとのためならず

Also written 情けは人の為ならず

Meanings

1. Expression the good you do for others is good you do yourself; those who are kind benefit themselves (literally: compassion is not for other people's benefit)
2. you can't save others (from themselves) (incorrect usage)

Kanji

• 情 feeling. Read as なさけ.
• 人 person. Read as ひと.

Word lists

• Proverbs

Jinuma: Japanese Dictionary · Word lists