George Herbert Quotes
Born: April 3, 1593
George Herbert, a 17th-century Welsh poet and Anglican priest, remains a luminous voice on love and connection, weaving divine and human affection into a single, radiant tapestry. His philosophy, rooted in the belief that love is the ultimate act of service, transforms everyday encounters into sacred bonds. Herbert’s poetry and prose, such as the timeless Love (III), resonate because they reveal vulnerability as strength and connection as a path to the soul. His legacy endures in the quiet power of his words, which remind us that true love—whether for God or another—is a gentle, persistent invitation to belong.
George Herbert Quotes (58)
"Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along."
— George Herbert"Living well is the best revenge."
— George Herbert"Storms make the oak grow deeper roots."
— George Herbert"He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven; for everyone has need to be forgiven."
— George Herbert"Be calm in arguing; for fierceness makes error a fault, and truth discourtesy."
— George Herbert"One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters."
— George Herbert"Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night."
— George Herbert"He that is not handsome at 20, nor strong at 30, nor rich at 40, nor wise at 50, will never be handsome, strong, rich or wise."
— George Herbert"Life is half spent before we know what it is."
— George Herbert"Dare to be true. Nothing can need a lie: a fault which needs it most, grows two thereby."
— George Herbert"Good words are worth much, and cost little."
— George Herbert"None knows the weight of another's burden."
— George Herbert"A gentle heart is tied with an easy thread."
— George Herbert"One sword keeps another in the sheath."
— George Herbert"War makes thieves and peace hangs them."
— George Herbert"The shortest answer is doing."
— George Herbert"He that will learn to pray, let him go to sea."
— George Herbert"Many kiss the hand they wish cut off."
— George Herbert"A lean compromise is better than a fat lawsuit."
— George Herbert"Drink not the third glass, which thou canst not tame, when once it is within thee."
— George Herbert"Sometimes the best gain is to lose."
— George Herbert"There would be no great men if there were no little ones."
— George Herbert"The mouse that hath but one hole is quickly taken."
— George Herbert"Love and a cough cannot be hid."
— George Herbert"You must lose a fly to catch a trout."
— George Herbert"Deceive not thy physician, confessor, nor lawyer."
— George Herbert"Take all that is given whether wealth, love or language, nothing comes by mistake and with good digestion all can be turned to health."
— George Herbert"Skill and confidence are an unconquered army."
— George Herbert"If a donkey bray at you, don't bray at him."
— George Herbert"The buyer needs a hundred eyes, the seller not one."
— George Herbert