If not for wrongdoing, there would be no forgiveness.
If not for wrongdoing, there would be no forgiveness.
Meaning in plain English
Forgiveness imagined absent without wrongdoing connects a response with the harm it addresses. The saying points to a conceptual relationship rather than a benefit of causing harm.
Example
A reader distinguishes understanding forgiveness from recommending an injury that would give it an occasion.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A responsible interpretation does not make wrongdoing desirable, necessary to seek or consequence-free. Forgiveness can remain voluntary alongside repair, accountability and boundaries. A useful reading considers what the term responds to without requiring a harmed person to forgive.
When to use it
Use it to examine the concept without endorsing harm.
Keep in mind
No value in causing wrongdoing or duty to forgive is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
Egypt · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 631; PDF page 57; collection label: Egypt
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗