Do not be wise in words — be wise in deeds.

This saying is commonly presented in English as a “Jewish proverb,” reflecting a long-standing emphasis in Jewish ethical teaching on action over rhetoric. In rabbinic literature and later Jewish moral writing, wisdom is often measured by conduct—how one treats others, fulfills obligations, and practices justice—rather than by eloquence or clever speech. The proverb aligns with a broader cultural suspicion of empty talk and performative piety, urging that moral and practical intelligence should be demonstrated through concrete behavior. In modern quotation collections it is typically detached from a single identifiable speaker or occasion and circulated as a general maxim of Jewish folk wisdom.

The proverb contrasts verbal cleverness with lived wisdom. “Wise in words” points to the ability to sound insightful—through arguments, slogans, or moralizing—without necessarily acting well. “Wise in deeds” reframes wisdom as something embodied: choices, habits, and responsibilities carried out in the real world. The line therefore critiques performative intelligence and insists that ethical credibility is earned through action. It also implies a practical standard for self-assessment: rather than asking whether one can explain what is right, one should ask whether one actually does it. The saying’s enduring appeal lies in its concise reminder that character is proven by conduct, not commentary.