- English translation
What does poor-looking soil matter when God is the one who provides?
- Literal wording
It is black earth, and the Provider is God.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying teaches that poor-looking material conditions do not by themselves determine whether a person can live or find a livelihood. Sustenance may come even from land, goods, or circumstances that seem barren, humble, or unpromising.
It directs attention away from judging provision solely by visible quality or outward appearances. Its religious force is central: provision is attributed to God as the provider, and the saying therefore counsels against despair when the available means seem inferior.
- When it is used
Used to reassure someone worried that modest land, limited goods, or unpromising circumstances cannot support them. It expresses trust that livelihood is not measured solely by material quality, but ultimately comes through God’s provision.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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