proverb · Words worth keeping
One God, no more; but friends good store.
One God, no more; but friends good store.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying joins devotion to one God with room for many friendships. It values a wide circle of companions without making friendship a competition in numbers or requiring every reader to share its religious premise.
Example
A participant keeps in touch with friends from several clubs instead of assuming that joining a new group requires abandoning the earlier friendships.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The proverb places singular religious devotion beside plentiful human friendship. Within its stated outlook, loyalty to God does not require narrowing one’s relationships with other people. The phrase good store presents companions as a welcome abundance, rather than suggesting that each friendship must displace another. Readers can consider that social invitation while recognising the particular religious premise of the wording. A large circle is not automatically a dependable one, and friendship also involves attention, boundaries and reciprocity. The saying therefore offers a way of valuing companionship without prescribing a numerical target or making a judgement about people with different beliefs or fewer friends.
When to use it
Use it to welcome companionship while recognising the religious outlook expressed in the wording.
Keep in mind
The religious premise is not universal; quality and mutual care matter more than the number of acquaintances.
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
- English