Knavery may serve for a turn, but honesty is best in the long run.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Dishonesty may gain a short-term advantage while damaging trust that matters later. Consider the lasting consequences of a deceptive act, rather than judging it only by the immediate result.

What the words are saying

Knavery names dishonest or deceitful conduct, while a turn is a particular occasion or short-lived purpose. The contrast asks what happens after the initial advantage: others may rely less on the person, question future statements or suffer a loss that still requires repair. Honesty is praised for its longer value, not as a guarantee that truthful people always prosper. The useful point is to include trust and integrity in the decision rather than count only the immediate benefit. It should also avoid confusing honesty with a duty to disclose every private detail to anyone who asks.

Everyday example

A seller explains an item’s known defect instead of concealing it for one sale, preserving a fair basis for the buyer’s decision.

When to use it

Use it when a deceptive shortcut is being justified by a narrow immediate advantage.

Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.