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'.
「情けは人の為ならず」という言葉があるように、人に親切にすることは巡り巡って自分のためになる。
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.
「情けは人の為ならず」を「人に情けをかけるな」と誤解する人がいる。
Some people misunderstand the proverb as 'Don't show kindness to others.'