He hath no leisure who useth it not.

This maxim is attributed to George Herbert in the context of his moral and devotional aphorisms—short, pointed sayings meant to guide everyday conduct. It is commonly associated with Herbert’s posthumously published collection of proverbs and reflections, where he distills practical wisdom about time, diligence, and self-governance. The phrasing reflects early modern English usage (“hath,” “useth”) and the period’s emphasis on disciplined stewardship of one’s hours. Rather than describing a specific public occasion, the line functions as a general admonition: complaints about “having no leisure” often mask a failure to make purposeful use of the time one already has.

The aphorism argues that leisure is not simply a condition granted by having fewer obligations; it is created by the intelligent use of time. Someone who fails to “use” leisure—who lets time slip away in distraction or procrastination—will experience life as perpetually busy and deprived of respite. Herbert’s phrasing also carries a moral edge: leisure is a resource entrusted to a person, and neglecting it is a kind of self-imposed poverty. The paradox (“no leisure” because one does not use leisure) highlights how habits shape perception: disciplined attention and purposeful choice can make room for reflection, while aimlessness makes even abundant free time feel scarce.