情なさけは人ひとの為ためならず

expression

kindness to others benefits oneself; compassion is not for others' sake

Proverb meaning that acts of kindness ultimately come back to benefit the doer. Often misunderstood as 'being kind to others is not for their own good'.

• 「情なさけは人ひとの為ためならず」という言こと葉ばがあるように、人ひとに親しん切せつにすることは巡めぐり巡めぐって自じ分ぶんのためになる。

  As the saying goes, 'Kindness is not for others' sake,' being kind to others eventually benefits yourself.

expression

you can't save others from themselves

Incorrect but common misinterpretation of the proverb, treating ならず as a negative imperative. Not the original meaning.

• 「情なさけは人ひとの為ためならず」を「人ひとに情なさけをかけるな」と誤ご解かいする人ひとがいる。

  Some people misunderstand the proverb as 'Don't show kindness to others.'