Japanese Proverbs About Cause and Consequence

Doing good deeds in secret will inevitably lead to a visible reward.

Action leads to unexpected outcomes, whether they be sudden misfortunes or lucky accidents.

Someone else takes the credit or reward for your hard work.

People can only afford to care about manners and social decorum once their basic material needs are met.

If you ridicule or waste even a tiny amount of money, you will eventually suffer for the lack of it.

A leader's glorious success is built upon the hidden sacrifices of many subordinates.

A dilemma where every available option leads to some inconvenience or problem.

To manipulate matters behind the scenes, or for the effects of an event to linger.

When two parties engage in a pointless conflict, a third party steps in and takes the profits.

To reap the consequences of one's own actions.

The first step into a disastrous, irreversible, or terrifying situation.

To be trapped or restricted by one's own words, actions, or rules.

Those who do not prepare the basics in daily life cannot present themselves properly on special occasions.

Children inevitably resemble their parents in character, ability, and lifestyle.

To be unexpectedly betrayed or harmed by a subordinate or someone you have nurtured and treated with care.

Regretting something after it is already done is useless because it cannot be undone.

Careless words can lead to great misfortune for the speaker.

Turning to divine help only when in trouble, despite ignoring it at other times.

To suffer the negative consequences of one's own past actions.

A situation where bad luck is followed by even more bad luck.

Kindness shown to others is not just for their benefit, but will eventually return to you.

Things that have occurred twice are likely to happen a third time.

No matter how much advice or opinion you give, the listener ignores it and it has no effect.

Lying is the first step toward committing more serious crimes like theft.

A small amount of effort or aid that is completely ineffective against a large problem.

Physical illness is influenced by one's state of mind, potentially improving or worsening based on one's attitude.