I’m looking for a source for, “Judge a man by the company he keeps.” My Google search shows that it’s either a Gaelic or English proverb, but I can’t find where it comes from. One site claimed it was from the bible, but the verse they referenced was incorrect. It does sound like something from the bible, or possibly Shakespeare. Anyone know?
I’m also looking for any related sayings, such as, “He who runs with wolves will learn to howl.” Various sites agree that is a Spanish proverb, but again don’t have a source.
Thanks for the link Karl. Unfortunately, my searches through three online translations of Phoenissae for “company”, “a man”, “wont”, and “is like” all failed to turn up that quotation. Of course, it could be a matter of translation, so I’ll read the full text as I have time. In the meantime, more information would be greatly appreciated!
I am not familiar with the Euripides’ Phoenix, but the Latin proverb is “Noscitur a sociis.” – which is literally “It is known by it’s associates.”
May be useful if you have a side-by-each translation.
“When you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.” - Jean Harlow (1911-1937)
(Or, “He that lies with the dogs, riseth with fleas.” - George Herbert (1593-1633))