--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Words are but holy as the deeds they cover." description: "\"Words are but holy as the deeds they cover.\" — Percy Bysshe Shelley" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fac/percy-bysshe-shelley-476_deeds_words-are-but-holy-as-the-deeds-they-cov_1934281.jpg" --- # Words are but holy as the deeds they cover. ![“Words are but holy as the deeds they cover.” quote by Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fac/percy-bysshe-shelley-476_deeds_words-are-but-holy-as-the-deeds-they-cov_1934281.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fac/percy-bysshe-shelley-476_deeds_words-are-but-holy-as-the-deeds-they-cov_1934281.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fac/percy-bysshe-shelley-476_deeds_words-are-but-holy-as-the-deeds-they-cov_1934281.jpg) > “Words are but holy as the deeds they cover.” [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Actions give true value to words; without deeds, words are empty. **In simple terms:** Words need deeds to be meaningful. Key Takeaway Align speech with action. Themes morality integrity action Mood inspirational thoughtful Type ethical motivational When to use this quote - public speaking - personal promises - leadership statements Key Concepts ethics authenticity communication Questions to Reflect On - How can you ensure your words match your actions? - What consequences arise from empty promises? A Different Perspective Words alone cannot change reality. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Deeds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/deeds/) [Holy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/holy/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Words](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/words/) ## Related quotes > [One is not low because of birth nor does birth make one holy. Deeds alone make one low, deeds alone make one holy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/one-is-not-low-because-of-birth-nor-does-birth-make-one-holy-deeds/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [ After all the years of \[spiritual\] work, ... I've realized this: that everything and everyone is precious beyond words. Everything and everyone is holy.… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geri-larkin/after-all-the-years-of-spiritual-work-i-ve-realized-this-that/) [Geri Larkin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geri-larkin/) > [Holiness comes by holy deeds. Not starving flesh of daily needs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/holiness-comes-by-holy-deeds-not-starving-flesh-of-daily-needs/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [Holy places are dark places. It is life and strength, not knowledge and words, that we get in them. Holy wisdom is not clear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/holy-places-are-dark-places-it-is-life-and-strength-not-knowledge-and/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Temple. One other word is equal in importance to a Latter-day Saint. Home. Put the words holy temple and home together, and you have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/boyd-k-packer/temple-one-other-word-is-equal-in-importance-to-a-latter-day-saint/) [Boyd K. Packer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/boyd-k-packer/) > [“My grandmother told me, "Words are holy. Treat them with respect. There's power there.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alma-hogan-snell/my-grandmother-told-me-words-are-holy-treat-them-with-respect-there-s/) Alma Hogan Snell > [“From time to time I try to imagine this world of which he spoke--a culture in whose mythology words might be that precious, in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patricia-j-williams/from-time-to-time-i-try-to-imagine-this-world-of-which-he-spoke-a-2/) [Patricia J. Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patricia-j-williams/) > [“From time to time I try to imagine this world of which he spoke--a culture in whose mythology words might be that precious, in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patricia-j-williams/from-time-to-time-i-try-to-imagine-this-world-of-which-he-spoke-a/) [Patricia J. Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patricia-j-williams/) > [“But sometimes, I have a great longing to hear something different from praise, for my soul sickens of too sweet a diet. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-beevers/but-sometimes-i-have-a-great-longing-to-hear-something-different-from/) [John Beevers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-beevers/) > [When deeds speak, words are nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pierre-joseph-proudhon/when-deeds-speak-words-are-nothing/) [Pierre-Joseph Proudhon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pierre-joseph-proudhon/) > [Man is of soul and body, formed for deeds Of high resolve; on fancy's boldest wing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/man-is-of-soul-and-body-formed-for-deeds-of-high-resolve-on-fancy-s/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [Strange thoughts beget strange deeds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/strange-thoughts-beget-strange-deeds/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [The Holy Prophet Mohammed came into this world and taught us: 'That man is a Muslim who never hurts anyone by word or deed,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/khan-abdul-ghaffar-khan/the-holy-prophet-mohammed-came-into-this-world-and-taught-us-that-man/) [Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/khan-abdul-ghaffar-khan/) > [The judgment: You are now before Yama, King of the Dead. In vain will you try to...deny or conceal the evil deeds you have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/the-judgment-you-are-now-before-yama-king-of-the-dead-in-vain-will/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [The passive acceptance of exclusionary words and deeds is not okay.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-sacca/the-passive-acceptance-of-exclusionary-words-and-deeds-is-not-okay/) [Chris Sacca](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-sacca/) ## More by Percy Bysshe Shelley > [The everlasting universe of things Flows through the mind, and rolls its rapid waves, Now dark--now glittering--now reflecting gloom-- Now lending splendour, where from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/the-everlasting-universe-of-things-flows-through-the-mind-and-rolls/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [The quick Dreams, The passion-winged Ministers of thought.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/the-quick-dreams-the-passion-winged-ministers-of-thought/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [Hail to thee, blithe Spirit!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/hail-to-thee-blithe-spirit/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [The jealous keys of truth's eternal doors.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/the-jealous-keys-of-truth-s-eternal-doors/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [“Though we eat little flesh and drink no wine, Yet let's be merry; we'll have tea and toast; Custards for supper, and an endless…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/though-we-eat-little-flesh-and-drink-no-wine-yet-let-s-be-merry-we-ll/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [A dream has power to poison sleep.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/a-dream-has-power-to-poison-sleep/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [Titles are tinsel, power a corrupter, glorya bubble, and excessive wealth a libel on its possessor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/titles-are-tinsel-power-a-corrupter-glorya-bubble-and-excessive/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [“I fall upon the thorns of life! I bleed !”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/i-fall-upon-the-thorns-of-life-i-bleed/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [“Poets and philosophers are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/poets-and-philosophers-are-the-unacknowledged-legislators-of-the-world/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [Dar'st thou amid the varied multitude To live alone, an isolated thing?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/dar-st-thou-amid-the-varied-multitude-to-live-alone-an-isolated-thing/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [Spirit of BEAUTY, that dost consecrate With thine own hues all thou dost shine upon Of human thought or form, where art thou gone?…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/spirit-of-beauty-that-dost-consecrate-with-thine-own-hues-all-thou/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [I love tranquil solitude, And such society As is quiet, wise, and good; Between thee and me What difference? but thou dost possess The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/i-love-tranquil-solitude-and-such-society-as-is-quiet-wise-and-good/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [The practice of utter sincerity towards other men would avail to no good end, if they were incapable of practising it towards their own…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/the-practice-of-utter-sincerity-towards-other-men-would-avail-to-no/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [Thou shoreless flood, which in thy ebb and flow claspest the limits of mortality.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/thou-shoreless-flood-which-in-thy-ebb-and-flow-claspest-the-limits-of/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [Senseless is the breast and cold Which relenting love would fold; Bloodless are the veins and chill Which the pulse of pain did fill;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/senseless-is-the-breast-and-cold-which-relenting-love-would-fold/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) [Explore all 533 Percy Bysshe Shelley quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) ## More Deeds quotes > [If ever I did a man any goodof course it was something exceptional and insignificant compared with the good or evil which I am…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/if-ever-i-did-a-man-any-goodof-course-it-was-something-exceptional/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [When Allah puts barakah (His blessings) in something, it will come beyond your expectations- never underestimate the power of one good deed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nouman-ali-khan/when-allah-puts-barakah-his-blessings-in-something-it-will-come/) [Nouman Ali Khan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nouman-ali-khan/) > [Time often serves to justify a deed which seems at first unjustifiable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-p-ryan/time-often-serves-to-justify-a-deed-which-seems-at-first-unjustifiable/) Donald P. Ryan > [When deeds speak, words are nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pierre-joseph-proudhon/when-deeds-speak-words-are-nothing/) [Pierre-Joseph Proudhon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pierre-joseph-proudhon/) > [Somehow, what's in our hearts, good or bad is eventually translated into words and deeds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-stanley/somehow-what-s-in-our-hearts-good-or-bad-is-eventually-translated/) [Andy Stanley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-stanley/) > [Honest people don't hide their deeds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-bronte/honest-people-don-t-hide-their-deeds/) [Emily Bronte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-bronte/) > [Mechanical instruments, potentially a vehicle of rational human purposes, are scarcely a blessing when they enable the gossip of the village idiot and the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/mechanical-instruments-potentially-a-vehicle-of-rational-human/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [Tis e'er the wont of simple folk to prize the deed and o'erlook the motive, and of learned folk to discount the deed and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-barth/tis-e-er-the-wont-of-simple-folk-to-prize-the-deed-and-o-erlook-the/) [John Barth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-barth/) > [How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds makes ill deeds done!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/how-oft-the-sight-of-means-to-do-ill-deeds-makes-ill-deeds-done/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [A nation of character is filled with citizens who gradually build lives based on the living awareness that their deeds are judged by eyes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-keyes/a-nation-of-character-is-filled-with-citizens-who-gradually-build/) [Alan Keyes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-keyes/) > [Time, which wears down and diminishes all things, augments and increases good deeds, because a good turn liberally offered to a reasonable man grows…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francois-rabelais/time-which-wears-down-and-diminishes-all-things-augments-and/) [Francois Rabelais](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francois-rabelais/) > [Alas, you don't need monsters for monstrous deeds to be accomplished.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zygmunt-bauman/alas-you-don-t-need-monsters-for-monstrous-deeds-to-be-accomplished/) [Zygmunt Bauman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zygmunt-bauman/) > [I rejoice that the reign of Christ is such, while it thrills the soul with emotions, and opens before the highest intellect the most…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matthew-simpson/i-rejoice-that-the-reign-of-christ-is-such-while-it-thrills-the-soul/) [Matthew Simpson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matthew-simpson/) > [The final estimate of men shows that history cares not an iota for the rank or title a man has borne, or the office…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-oswald-sanders/the-final-estimate-of-men-shows-that-history-cares-not-an-iota-for/) [J. Oswald Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-oswald-sanders/) > [The World's a Printing-House, our words, our thoughts, Our deeds, are characters of several sizes. Each soul is a Compos'tor, of whose faults The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-quarles/the-world-s-a-printing-house-our-words-our-thoughts-our-deeds-are/) [Francis Quarles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-quarles/) [Browse all 2,029 Deeds quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/deeds/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Words are but holy as the deeds they cover.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Percy Bysshe Shelley" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/words-are-but-holy-as-the-deeds-they-cover/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Deeds" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/words-are-but-holy-as-the-deeds-they-cover/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fac/percy-bysshe-shelley-476_deeds_words-are-but-holy-as-the-deeds-they-cov_1934281.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fac/percy-bysshe-shelley-476_deeds_words-are-but-holy-as-the-deeds-they-cov_1934281.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fac/percy-bysshe-shelley-476_deeds_words-are-but-holy-as-the-deeds-they-cov_1934281.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Words are but holy as the deeds they cover.” — Percy Bysshe Shelley", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Percy Bysshe Shelley", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Words are but holy as the...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/words-are-but-holy-as-the-deeds-they-cover/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/words-are-but-holy-as-the-deeds-they-cover/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```