Proverb / Kotowaza
今の情けは後の仇
Showing kindness now can result in harm later by hindering a person's independence or growth.
Today's kindness is tomorrow's enemy.
Quick Answer
Showing kindness now can result in harm later by hindering a person's independence or growth.
- Literal Image
- Today's kindness is tomorrow's enemy.
- Closest Equivalent
- Kill them with kindness.
- How to Use It
- Used to warn against being overly indulgent or protective of someone, suggesting that tough love might be better for their long-term development.
Meaning
Acts of compassion or leniency performed in the present can sometimes backfire and cause negative consequences in the future. This happens when such kindness prevents someone from learning self-reliance, creates dependency, or eventually leads to resentment. True compassion involves considering the long-term well-being of the person rather than just providing immediate comfort.
Literal Image
Today's kindness is tomorrow's enemy.
Equivalent Proverbs
Kill them with kindness.
Focuses on the negative result of kindness, though can be used with different intent.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Refers to how good intentions can lead to bad outcomes.
How to Use It
Used to warn against being overly indulgent or protective of someone, suggesting that tough love might be better for their long-term development.
Tone
Cautionary and somewhat stern.
Examples
今の情けは後の仇というが、子供を甘やかしすぎると、大人になって苦労することになる。
They say today's kindness is tomorrow's enemy; if you spoil your child too much, they will struggle as an adult.
今の情けは後の仇というように、毎回助け舟を出すことが、彼の自立心を損なっているのかもしれない。
As the saying 'today's kindness is tomorrow's enemy' suggests, offering a helping hand every time might be undermining his sense of independence.
部下のミスを毎回かばっていたが、今の情けは後の仇になるかもしれないと、上司は考え直した。
The manager had been covering for his subordinate's mistakes every time, but he reconsidered, thinking that such kindness might lead to harm later.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses relatively formal vocabulary like 'nasake' and 'ada', and the metaphorical 'enemy' requires idiomatic understanding.
情け
なさけ / nasake
kindness, compassion
仇
あだ / ada
enemy, harm, damage
後の
のちの / nochi no
later, future
Usage Profile
Usage note: Using this can sound judgmental toward someone who is trying to be kind.
Misread Risk
Do not confuse 'ada' with a literal personal enemy; in this context, it refers to the negative outcome or harm caused by the action.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
The proverb warns that temporary acts of kindness (nasake) can turn into harm or damage (ada) over time. By providing easy help or being overly lenient, one might strip others of growth opportunities or foster a sense of dependency, ultimately failing to support their long-term well-being.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.