In many instances, being able to wait and practice patience, to tolerate something that might take a long time, is the right or wise path to take, because doing so will keep you as calm and happy as possible in the moment. How can both phrases be right at the same time? How can there be two universal truths that stand in opposition to one another? It’s all about context. Indeed, Lincoln’s purported quote, shared above, implies that those who wait will be left with only the scraps of those who take initiative and just go for it. In other words, that courageous and brave action, rather than patience, is typically rewarded. You may have heard another proverbial saying that suggests the opposite is true: Fortune favors the bold. Is the Proverb Right-Do Good Things Really Come to Those Who Wait? Learn the meanings of many more proverbs and other common sayings here. Here are some additional examples of well-known proverbs:Īs mentioned earlier, good things come to those who wait is a synonym for another proverb: patience is a virtue. Synonyms of the term proverb include adage, aphorism, and maxim. A proverb is a short, common phrase or saying that imparts advice or shares a universal truth. The popular expression good things come to those who wait is a proverb. (More on Lincoln’s supposed quote in a moment.) What Is a Proverb? Possibly as evidence the phrase was in use and circulation before Violet Fane’s poem was published, Abraham Lincoln is often quoted as saying, “Great things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” However, there’s a great deal of doubt out there as to whether the 16th president actually uttered these words.

She used the saying in her poem Tout Vient a Qui Sait Attendre (which translates to the saying itself), likely written in the late 1800s:Īs you can see, she used a variation of the saying as we do today, to convey that patience helps one get the results they desire.

The Origins of the ExpressionĪlthough language experts generally believe the phrase dates to before the 19th century, possibly as early as the 16th century, credit for the expression is usually given to the British poet Lady Mary Montgomerie Currie, who wrote under the pseudonym Violet Fane. Instead of who, variations of the phrase may use a pronoun, such as him/he or her/she, or the word that. You may also see or hear different variations of the saying used, including all things come to those who wait and all good things come to those who wait. Sure enough, come spring, I’m rewarded with delicious herbs and vegetables. Every spring, I plant my seeds then wait calmly (while watering them, of course). To be a gardener is to know that good things come to those who wait.That’s why I always tell my wealth management clients that good things come to those who wait. With investing, it pays, literally, to remain calm and have self-control: Markets fluctuate, but history suggests you experience fewer losses and greater gains over longer periods of time.My friends keep reminding me that good things come to those who wait, but I’m getting a little impatient because I really love him and want things to move forward. My boyfriend and I have been together a year now, and he hasn’t brought up moving in together or getting married yet.Recently, I applied for and was given a major promotion to a leadership position, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m glad my mother taught me that good things come to those who wait: I worked hard and paid my dues in my career while waiting patiently for the right opportunity to come my way.Here are some example sentences using the expression good things come to those who wait: To be patient is to be the opposite of hasty, which means to do things in a hurried and eager, thus impatient, way. It’s also the act of persevering quietly, steadily, and diligently. Patience is the act of accepting a delay or hardship without complaining about the time it’s taking or any hurdles and obstacles. An adjective, patient means to withstand or tolerate a difficult time or challenging waiting period, and to do so in a calm manner without getting overly restless, anxious, or annoyed. Patience (noun): Patience means the act of being patient. It means that patience is typically rewarded, and that people who are patient will often get what they want and achieve their goals and desires. The expression good things come to those who wait is a synonym for the proverbial saying patience is a virtue.

What Does Good Things Come to Those Who Wait Mean?

Fate of all good things