Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.

What it means

Waiting is hard to swallow while you are doing it. The reward comes later and tastes better for the wait. When slow progress feels bitter, take it as a sign you are still on the way.

The source

"Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet." This Persian proverb is recorded in Fallon, A Dictionary of Hindustani Proverbs (1886), s.v. Sabr (marked Per.). Translated by Fallon, 1886.

"Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet."

Fallon, 1886, Fallon, A Dictionary of Hindustani Proverbs (1886), s.v. Sabr (marked Per.). 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 "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet." mean?

Waiting is hard to swallow while you are doing it. The reward comes later and tastes better for the wait. When slow progress feels bitter, take it as a sign you are still on the way.

Who said "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet."?

Persian proverb. Source: Fallon, A Dictionary of Hindustani Proverbs (1886), s.v. Sabr (marked Per.).

What is the original wording?

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet (Fallon, 1886). Translated by Fallon, 1886.

Is "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet." on a shirt?

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

"Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet." (Persian proverb, Fallon, A Dictionary of Hindustani Proverbs (1886), s.v. Sabr (marked Per.), trans. Fallon, 1886). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/patience-is-bitter-but-its-fruit-is-sweet