A friend tells you the truth. A flatterer doesn't.

What it means

The proverb defines a friend as the one who speaks the truth, not the one who flatters. Praise is easy to come by; honest words are rare. Keep the people who tell you the truth.

The source

"A friend tells you the truth. A flatterer doesn't." This Polish proverb is recorded in Čelakovský, Mudrosloví národu slovanského (1852), p. 233. Translated from the original Polish by Spartan Surfers.

"Pržy- jaciel jest, co prawde mówi, nie co pochlebia."

Original Polish, Čelakovský, Mudrosloví národu slovanského (1852), p. 233. Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "A friend tells you the truth. A flatterer doesn't." mean?

The proverb defines a friend as the one who speaks the truth, not the one who flatters. Praise is easy to come by; honest words are rare. Keep the people who tell you the truth.

Who said "A friend tells you the truth. A flatterer doesn't."?

Polish proverb. Source: Čelakovský, Mudrosloví národu slovanského (1852), p. 233.

What is the original Polish?

Pržy- jaciel jest, co prawde mówi, nie co pochlebia. Translated from the original Polish by Spartan Surfers.

Is "A friend tells you the truth. A flatterer doesn't." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"A friend tells you the truth. A flatterer doesn't." (Polish proverb, Čelakovský, Mudrosloví národu slovanského (1852), p. 233, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/a-friend-tells-you-the-truth-a-flatterer