To God be humble, to thy friend be kind, and with thy neighbors gladly lend and borrow; His chance tonight, it maybe thine tomorrow.

The quote by William Dunbar is a moral and ethical guideline emphasizing humility, kindness, and reciprocity. The first part, “To God be humble,” encourages reverence and modesty before the divine. “To thy friend be kind” extends this principle into human relationships, urging compassion and loyalty toward those we hold dear. Together, these lines frame personal conduct as grounded in both spiritual devotion and human kindness.

The second part, “with thy neighbors gladly lend and borrow,” promotes mutual support and community sharing. This reflects the idea that society thrives when people cooperate and help each other without resentment or selfishness. The closing line, “His chance tonight, it maybe thine tomorrow,” is a reminder of fortune’s unpredictability—that someone in need today could be ourselves tomorrow. It encourages empathy by recognizing the cyclical nature of luck and circumstance.

The origin of this statement comes from Dunbar’s work as a Scottish poet of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Known for both moral verse and satirical writing, Dunbar often used poetry to deliver wisdom and moral instruction in a form that was both memorable and lyrical. This particular sentiment reflects the Christian moral framework and communal values prevalent in his time, while still feeling relevant to modern readers.

By blending religious humility with practical advice on human relations, Dunbar’s words endure as a timeless call to virtue, generosity, and solidarity. His reminder that circumstances can change quickly makes the message not only moral but also pragmatic—encouraging people to treat others well, knowing that the same grace may one day be returned to them.