expression
the clothes do not make the man; the cowl does not make the monk
Proverb meaning that outward appearance or attire does not determine a person's true worth or ability.
「衣ばかりで和尚はできぬ」というから、見た目だけで人を判断してはいけない。
As the saying goes, 'the clothes do not make the man,' so you shouldn't judge people by their appearance alone.
Standard modern spelling of the proverb.
Archaic spelling using 許り for ばかり and 出来ぬ for できぬ.
A Japanese proverb literally meaning 'one cannot become a monk just by wearing a robe.' The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common Buddhist-influenced sentiment that external trappings do not confer inner virtue.