Commend a wedded life, but keep thyself a batchelor.

The proverb advises speaking well of marriage while choosing not to marry. It sets outward approval against a different personal choice.

Its wit lies in the gap between recommending married life and accepting it for oneself. The counsel favors remaining single without requiring the speaker to disparage marriage.

Use it as a wry response when someone praises marriage but prefers to remain single. It can also highlight the difference between endorsing a commitment in principle and choosing it for oneself.