proverb · Words worth keeping
With stomach, wife, and conscience keep on good terms.
With stomach, wife, and conscience keep on good terms.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Attend to bodily needs, close relationships and conscience rather than assuming any can be neglected without consequence. The list joins practical care with moral reflection.
Example
Someone makes room for a meal, a respectful conversation with their partner and reflection on an unresolved commitment.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The stomach, wife and conscience represent different parts of everyday life that the speaker is urged to keep in harmony. A modern reading includes mutual partnership rather than assigning a wife responsibility for a husband’s comfort. It also avoids treating every discomfort as evidence of moral failure. A useful application asks what care or honest discussion each part requires, rather than prescribing a health routine.
When to use it
Use it to reflect on several responsibilities within everyday life.
Keep in mind
A partner is an independent person, and this is not medical advice or a test of moral worth.
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