God never send’th mouth but he sendeth meat.

This proverb is associated with the Tudor playwright and collector of sayings John Heywood (c. 1497–c. 1580), whose works helped popularize English proverbial wisdom in the mid-16th century. It reflects a common early modern religious outlook in which God’s providence was believed to extend to everyday necessities, including food and livelihood. The line circulates as a reassurance to those facing scarcity or new responsibilities (a “mouth” to feed), implying that divine provision accompanies divine burdens. Heywood is best known for compiling such maxims in his proverb collections, which were widely read and frequently reprinted, helping fix many sayings in English usage.

The saying means that when a need arises—especially the obligation to feed another person—provision will also be made available. “Mouth” stands for dependents or demands; “meat” stands for sustenance or resources. In a religious key, it expresses trust in providence: God does not impose responsibilities without also providing the means to meet them. More broadly, it functions as a moral encouragement against despair and a prompt toward courage and generosity, suggesting that life’s added burdens (children, guests, new duties) are accompanied by opportunities, support, or practical solutions.

1) “God never sends mouth but he sends meat.”
2) “God never sendeth mouth but he sendeth meat.”
3) “God never sends a mouth but He sends meat.”