A scholar who does not practice is a bee without honey.

What it means

Knowledge that never turns into action stings without feeding anyone. Saadi asks learning to be useful. Put what you know into practice, or at least do not use it to wound.

The source

"A scholar who does not practice is a bee without honey." Saadi said it in Gulistan 8 (Ross, Apophthegm 86). Translated by James Ross, 1823.

"A LEARNED man without works is a bee without honey"

James Ross, 1823, Gulistan 8 (Ross, Apophthegm 86). Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Saadi (c. 1210–1291). Poet of Shiraz who travelled for decades before writing the Bustan and the Gulistan, a book of stories and maxims in prose and verse.

Questions

What does "A scholar who does not practice is a bee without honey." mean?

Knowledge that never turns into action stings without feeding anyone. Saadi asks learning to be useful. Put what you know into practice, or at least do not use it to wound.

Who said "A scholar who does not practice is a bee without honey."?

Saadi (c. 1210–1291). Source: Gulistan 8 (Ross, Apophthegm 86).

What is the original wording?

A LEARNED man without works is a bee without honey (James Ross, 1823). Translated by James Ross, 1823.

Is "A scholar who does not practice is a bee without honey." on a shirt?

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

"A scholar who does not practice is a bee without honey." (Saadi, Gulistan 8 (Ross, Apophthegm 86), trans. James Ross, 1823). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/a-scholar-who-does-not-practice-is-a