Work for the lamp oil rather than sit idle at home.

What it means

Burckhardt explains that lamp oil was the smallest daily expense of a Cairo household. Even work that pays almost nothing beats doing nothing. Keep your hands busy and your habits sharp.

The source

"Work for the lamp oil rather than sit idle at home." This Arabic proverb is recorded in Burckhardt, Arabic Proverbs (1830), no. 61. Translated by John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830.

"Work, though thy gain be merely the oil, rather than sit (idle) at home."

John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830, Burckhardt, Arabic Proverbs (1830), no. 61. 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 "Work for the lamp oil rather than sit idle at home." mean?

Burckhardt explains that lamp oil was the smallest daily expense of a Cairo household. Even work that pays almost nothing beats doing nothing. Keep your hands busy and your habits sharp.

Who said "Work for the lamp oil rather than sit idle at home."?

Arabic proverb. Source: Burckhardt, Arabic Proverbs (1830), no. 61.

What is the original wording?

Work, though thy gain be merely the oil, rather than sit (idle) at home (John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830). Translated by John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830.

Is "Work for the lamp oil rather than sit idle at home." on a shirt?

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

"Work for the lamp oil rather than sit idle at home." (Arabic proverb, Burckhardt, Arabic Proverbs (1830), no. 61, trans. John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/work-for-the-lamp-oil-rather-than-sit