Penny Wise and Pound Foolish
Penny wise and pound foolish describes people who spend carefully on small items but waste money on larger expenses.
A person needs several US pennies (or British pence) to equal one British pound.
Several years ago, someone showed me all her bargains from a clearance sale. She proudly told me each item’s price. Near the end, she began saying, “I don’t know what this is, but it cost only …” Most amounts were less than a dollar. However, her total cost was large.
I remember wondering, Just what will she do with all these mystery objects? They’re not bargains if she has no use for them.
She was penny wise and pound foolish.
People might be penny wise and pound foolish if they:
- Attempt their own home repairs but require an expert to repair their repairs.
- Clip grocery coupons and then eat at an outrageously expensive restaurant.
- Drive several miles to save a few cents per gallon on gasoline.
- Neglect regular medical care that results in permanent disability.
- Buy sale items on credit but pay the minimum on their credit card bill.
Don’t we often do the same with our life decisions?
We make the easy choices or do what looks good at the moment. Yet we fail to consider the long-term consequences.
Easy or cheap does not equal good or wise.
Let’s make smart choices in all our investments—financial, educational, occupational, social, emotional, and spiritual.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise” Ephesians 5:15 (NIV).
Do you have a favorite expression or one you want explained? If so, please comment.
Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.
