- English translation
What is held inwardly does not disappear merely because it is not spoken aloud.
- Literal wording
What is in the heart stays in the heart, O church.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying stresses that silence and outward restraint do not necessarily alter a person's inner feelings. Resentment, loyalty, or conviction may remain unchanged beneath an appearance of calm or agreement.
Some speakers have also used it in a religiously charged way to allege that a public profession of Islam conceals another allegiance. That use should not be taken as evidence about any person or community, or as endorsing religious stereotypes.
- When it is used
Use it for a suspected gap between an outward stance and a continuing inner attitude. Because the wording directly addresses a church and has been used in religiously charged accusations, handle it cautiously; do not use it to presume hidden beliefs or disloyalty in individuals or groups.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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