With law the land is built, not wasted by lawlessness.

What it means

A community stands on rules that everyone keeps. Lawlessness tears down what took generations to raise. Keep your word and the shared rules, even when breaking them is easier.

The source

"With law the land is built, not wasted by lawlessness." This Icelandic proverb is recorded in Njáls saga, ch. 70. Translated from the original Old Norse by Spartan Surfers.

"með lögum skal land vort byggja en eigi með ólögum eyða"

Original Old Norse, Njáls saga, ch. 70. Text read at is.wikisource.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 "With law the land is built, not wasted by lawlessness." mean?

A community stands on rules that everyone keeps. Lawlessness tears down what took generations to raise. Keep your word and the shared rules, even when breaking them is easier.

Who said "With law the land is built, not wasted by lawlessness."?

Icelandic proverb. Source: Njáls saga, ch. 70.

What is the original Old Norse?

með lögum skal land vort byggja en eigi með ólögum eyða. Translated from the original Old Norse by Spartan Surfers.

Is "With law the land is built, not wasted by lawlessness." on a shirt?

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

"With law the land is built, not wasted by lawlessness." (Icelandic proverb, Njáls saga, ch. 70, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/with-law-the-land-is-built-not-wasted