Stolen things bring shame and misfortune.
Stolen things bring shame and misfortune.
Meaning in plain English
Stolen possessions described as bringing shame and misfortune give wrongful acquisition an adverse moral outcome. The saying rejects benefit judged only by what was obtained.
Example
Someone addresses a substantiated wrongful taking instead of assuming an unseen automatic punishment will repair it.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A responsible reading does not promise that wrongdoing always exposes or punishes itself. A useful application examines harm, responsibility and fair repair rather than relying on a fate claim. Possession alone does not establish theft, and a particular accusation needs evidence.
When to use it
Use it to discuss wrongful acquisition with evidence and accountability retained.
Keep in mind
No inevitable misfortune or guilt from possession alone 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
Kenya · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 688; PDF page 62; collection label: Kenya
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.
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