A number of proverbs similar in form are illustrated below. An ounce used figuratively for ‘a small quantity’ is found in [1567 W. Cecil Letter in C. Read Mr. Secretary Cecil (1955) xxi.] Marry [to be sure], an ounce of advice is more worth to be executed aforehand than in the sight of perils. Quot. 2002 suggests some convergence between this saying and prevention is better than cure.
I ment not to be on of thoz who waith [esteems] A chip of chauns [luck] mor then A pownds wurth of witt.
[c 1576 T. Whythorne Autobiography (1961) 142]
An ounce of discretion, is better worth, then a pound of hardinesse [audacity].
[1592 G. Delamothe French Alphabet ii. 55]
The prouerbe is true; an Ounce of Discretion, is worth a pound of Learning.
[1616 T. Adams Sacrifice of Thankfulness 19]
It used to be the Saying of an old Man, That an Ounce of Experience is better than a Pound of Science.
[1748 J. Eliot Essays upon Field Husbandry 12]
Remember that rigid probity, and the strictest punctuality‥are the very soul of business, and that an ounce of practice is worth a pound of precept.
[1866 Blackmore Cradock Nowell II. ix.]
‘Define it [Beauty], Mr. Vaness.’ ‘An ounce of fact is worth a ton of theory.—It stands before me.’
[1925 J. Galsworthy Caravan 667]
She said rather primly, ‘An ounce of wisdom is worth a pound of wit.’
[1981 P. O'donnell Xanadu Talisman ix.]
Yet, if the IRS is attempting to reduce the incidence of obesity,‥shouldn't it permit deduction for activities and products that prevent one from becoming obese in the first place? After all, an ounce of prevention could be worth a literal pound of cure.
[2002 Washington Times 5 Apr. A20]
Related to: example, good and bad; words and deeds
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
