Meaning & Analysis
When a person is physically distant from their property or possessions ('his good'), they are consequently in close proximity to loss or damage ('his harm').
Insights
Moral and Ethical Distance
Straying from one's moral principles, virtues, or ethical foundations ('good') brings a person closer to moral corruption, reputational damage, or spiritual decay ('harm').
Vulnerability through Isolation
Neglecting one's support systems, such as family, community, or allies ('good'), leaves an individual isolated and vulnerable to misfortune or attack ('harm').
Loss of Control
When one is disconnected from their source of power, influence, or control ('good'), their position becomes precarious and susceptible to threats from rivals.
Estrangement from Self
Drifting from one's core identity, purpose, or well-being ('good') leads to internal conflict, unhappiness, and psychological distress ('harm').
Historical Context of Security
Reflects a pre-modern worldview where physical presence was essential for safeguarding property and interests. In an era lacking modern security and communication, absenteeism directly correlated with vulnerability to theft, damage, or loss.
Psychology of Neglect
The proverb speaks to the psychological anxiety of distance and the need for constant vigilance. It warns against the 'out of sight, out of mind' fallacy, suggesting that neglect, whether of physical assets or personal values, invites negative consequences.
Moral and Philosophical Warning
Beyond the material, the proverb resonates with philosophical and moral teachings where 'good' represents virtue, principles, or a righteous path. Straying from this path ('far from his good') inevitably leads to moral or spiritual decay ('harm').
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The proverb is structured on the powerful contrast between 'far' and 'nigh' (near), and 'good' and 'harm', creating a balanced and memorable statement about cause and effect.
Parallelism
The phrase 'far from his good' is mirrored by 'nigh his harm', creating a rhythmic and logical parallel that reinforces the proverb's meaning.
Symbolism
'Good' and 'harm' are used as broad symbols, representing concepts like security vs. danger, virtue vs. corruption, and well-being vs. suffering.
Transcription
Quotations
He that is far from his gear is near his skaith.
A man thats farre from his good is neere his harme.
(from's good).
(is near his harm).
He that's far from his Geer, is near his Tinsel [loss].
Cross References
Annotations
- A Man may be soon wrong'd when his Back is turn'd.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.