Reap What You Sow – Meaning, Origin & Usage
The phrase ‘reap what you sow’ is technically a cliche, but it holds a powerful truth that enables the phrase to retain its strength whenever it’s used. The phrase is used across the globe and has translations in multiple languages.
In this article, we’re going to debunk the phrase, starting with going over what it means, before delving into the historical origins of the phrase, inclusive of how it appears in the Christian bible. Then we’ll go on to discuss its highly prevalent usage in modern day, complete with a brief overview of examples in literature and media. Following up on that, we’ll cover similar alternative phrases and idioms that you can use in its place, and how different cultures like to put the proverb into practice.
And without further ado, let’s get straight to it.
What does the phrase ‘reap what you sow’ mean?
The phrase ‘reap what you sow’ is a proverb, metaphor, cliche and idiom that expresses the idea of ‘you get what you give’. In the literal interpretation, it can be described as growing what you plant. However, the phrase is usually used as a metaphor for human behaviour.
Basically, the phrase means that if you treat others with love, kindness and fairness, then this is what you get in return. Whereas, in contrast, if you don’t treat people well, you are likely to not be treated well by others in the future.
Much like the concept of karma, the phrase ‘reap what you sow’ is a teaching of moral and psychological causality and the encouragement of good rather than bad behaviour.
Historical origins of the saying ‘reap what you sow’, including biblical references and interpretations
While the phrase ‘reap what you sow’ is often attributed to the Christian Bible, it is likely that the phrase has its true origins in agriculture, initially as a description of what plants you can harvest depending entirely on what seeds you sow.
When the concept was initially used in the Christian Bible, it is believed to have its current, idiomatic meaning, that is ‘you get what you give’. The phrase ‘reap what you sow’ appears in the New Testament in Galatians 6:7, where the apostle Paul writes, “Whatever one sows, that will he also reap”. The principle of sowing and reaping is also found in other Bible verses, including 2 Corinthians 9:6 and Proverbs 22:8.
Modern day usage and relevance
The concept of reaping what you sow is a prominent theme in Bible study books to this day, and it aligns perfectly with the idea put forward by Jesus of loving thy neighbour, and treating others as you would like to be treated.
The idea of reaping what you sow is not limited to the Christian religions, however. Karma, for example, is the idea that our actions have consequences, and that these consequences can be positive or negative. It’s a concept that’s central to many Eastern religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
That said, the concept of reaping what you sow is not solely a religious concept, since many atheists also agree with its sentiments. In fact, the concept has much in common with science, where some effects are deemed to be the result of a previous cause.
While philosophers may argue about how true the sentiment is, you cannot argue that there is often at least some truth to it, and as such it makes a good motto to live by, for both the individual and for society at large.
Examples in literature and media
The concept of ‘you get what you give’ and ‘what goes around comes around’ has long been a prevalent and pervasive theme in entertainment, through its use in storytelling, books, music, film, and more recently social media memes.
In fact, several songs not only have ‘reap what you sow’ as the song’s theme, but also feature the proverb in its lyrics, across multiple musical genres. A recent example would be
‘Reap What You Sow’ written by Consequence and Kanye West and sung by Consequence on their album ‘Don’t Quit Your Day Job!’ released in 2007.
The concept of reaping what you sow has appeared in literature time and again, although this is often achieved without using the phrase directly. Examples include ‘The works of Sir Thomas More’, ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’, ‘Vanity Fair’, ‘Great Expectations’, ‘The Scarlet Letter’, ‘Of Mice and Men’, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ and ‘East of Eden’. Similarly, for films, there’s ‘Forrest Gump’, ‘The Green Mile’, ‘Les Miserables’, and ‘The Godfather’. Another popular occurrence of the theme is in the central concept of the poem by the American writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Similar phrases and idioms, including cultural variations
There are many similar phrases and idioms that you can often use in place of ‘reap what you sow’. Here are some examples to consider:
- You get what you give
- You get what you deserve
- Karma is a b*tch
- What goes around comes around
- What you sow is what you will reap
- We reap what we sow
- You made your bed, you lie in it
- Actions have consequences
- You get what you ask for
- You need to pay for your actions
Whatever way you say it, the sentiment is the same, and it serves as an excellent motivator to live by, whether for paying good deeds forward or as a warning about vengefulness.
Final word
So, to summarise, the phrase ‘reap what you sow’ is a proverb, metaphor, cliche and idiom that expresses the idea of ‘you get what you give’ and ‘what goes around comes around’.
While the phrase is best known for its apparent Biblical origins, the sentiment is one that echoes through the ages, and appeals to religious and non-religious people alike. It can serve as either a motivation or as a warning that actions have consequences, so one should behave to others as they would like others to treat them.
