Meaning & Analysis
The proverb asserts that virtuous people, or those favored by God, tend to die at a young age rather than living to be old.
Insights
Divine Mercy
The proverb serves as a comforting explanation for untimely death, suggesting that God takes the best individuals to heaven early to spare them the corruption and suffering of a long earthly life.
Virtue and Fate
It reflects a fatalistic worldview where earthly life is not the ultimate reward for virtue. Goodness is recognized not by longevity but by being chosen for a swifter transition to a divine realm.
Fragility of Goodness
The saying can be interpreted as a commentary on the inherent fragility of goodness in a harsh world. It implies that purity and innocence are states that cannot long endure the trials of life, and thus their preservation requires an early departure.
Theological Consolation
Originating in classical antiquity (e.g., Menander) and adapted into Christian thought, the proverb serves as a theological explanation for reconciling premature death with divine benevolence, suggesting that early death is a sign of favor, sparing the virtuous from worldly suffering.
Psychology of Grief
This proverb functions as a powerful psychological coping mechanism for the bereaved. By reframing a tragic loss as a mark of divine love and a release into a better existence, it helps to mitigate the pain of grief and the sense of cosmic injustice.
Literary and Cultural Trope
The concept has become a pervasive literary and cultural trope, romanticizing the early deaths of heroes, artists, and innocents. It imbues their shortened lives with a sense of purity and uncorrupted potential, as seen in Shakespeare's works and even in modern celebrity culture.
Rhetorical Devices
Paradox
The proverb presents a paradox where a positive attribute (being loved by God) leads to a seemingly negative outcome (a short life). This counterintuitive logic makes the statement profound and memorable.
Euphemism
It functions as a euphemism, softening the harsh reality of a young person's death by framing it as a loving act of a divine being.
Antithesis
The saying creates a powerful antithesis between the concepts of 'goodness' and 'longevity', challenging the conventional expectation that virtue should be rewarded with a long life.
Transcription
Quotations
But among all other, saith the greke poete Menander: Most happy be they and best belouid of god, that dye whan they be yong.
Whom God loueth best, those he taketh sonest.
Good quickest bie, old gatherd will die.
The gods have had her up into heaven, as one too good to remain on earth.
All those that God loues, do not liue long.
Your worship is too good to liue long.
Nothing which is good can ever last.
Well, he was too honest to live, and that made him die so soon.
And your will vnto gods resigne Who takes them first, whom he loues best.
'Twas his own destiny, not our bad intentions Took him away from earth; he was too heavenly, Fit only for th' society of angels.
I know he cannot live long, he is so well given; they never thrive.
(doe not alwaies liue long).
Good and loved, not long live.
Shakespeare Citations
Well, Susan is with God; She was too good for me.
O, he of Heaven, that mild, and virtuous! —The better for the King of Heaven, that hath him.
This sorrow's heavenly; It strikes where it does love.
I will do't. But yet she is a goodly creature. —The fitter then the gods should have her.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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