proverb · Words worth keeping
If you offend, ask for pardon; if offended, forgive.
If you offend, ask for pardon; if offended, forgive.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
An offender asked to seek pardon and an offended person to forgive pair responsibility with mercy. The saying gives both sides a response after harm.
Example
Someone apologises and offers appropriate repair while respecting the other person’s choice about further contact.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A responsible reading does not make apology sufficient or forgiveness compulsory. Repair, accountability, distance and boundaries can remain necessary. A useful application can encourage a genuine acknowledgment without assigning the harmed person responsibility for reconciliation or prescribing an emotion.
When to use it
Use it to discuss apology and voluntary mercy with accountability retained.
Keep in mind
No duty to forgive, reconcile or accept an apology as complete repair is established.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their 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
- Date unknown
- Culture
- Assyria/Ethiopia