actions speak louder than words

First recorded in its current form in the United States.

‘A word spoken in season is like an Apple of Gold set in Pictures of Silver,’ and actions are more precious than words.
[1628 J. Pym Speech 4 Apr. in Hansard Parliamentary Hist. England (1807) II. 274]

Actions speak louder than Words, and are more to be regarded.
[1736 Melancholy State of Province in A. M. Davis Colonial Currency (1911) III. 137]

‘Actions speak louder than words’ is the maxim; and, if true, the South now distinctly says to the North, ‘Give us the measures, and you take the men.’
[1856 A. Lincoln Works (1953) II. 352]

Deeds speak louder than words. First she tells you the most damning things she can‥, and then she begs you to believe he's innocent in spite of them?
[1939 M. Stuart Dead Men sing no Songs xii.]

Democrats market themselves as the party of the common man, but actions (and inactions) speak louder than words.
[2001 Washington Times 1 Aug. A13]

Related to: words and deeds

Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.

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What one does is more important than what one says, as in Politicians need to be reminded that actions speak louder than words. This statement, a proverb found in many languages, including ancient Greek, was first worded in precisely this way in English in Colonial Currency (1736). Also see all talk; do as I say, not as I do.