“The road to hell is paved with good intentions” warns that meaning well is not the same as doing well. Here is what it means, its long and tangled origin, how to use it, and a few sayings that share its sober view of intentions.
What Does “The Road to Hell Is Paved with Good Intentions” Mean?
The proverb means that good intentions are worthless — even harmful — if they are not followed through with action. People constantly intend to do the right thing, then fail to act, procrastinate, or cause damage despite meaning well. The saying reminds us that results matter more than intentions, and that the path to ruin is often lined with sincere but unfulfilled good plans.
Origin of the Proverb
The idea has a long pedigree. It is often traced to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1091–1153), credited with the line “Hell is full of good intentions or desires.” The thought passes down through the centuries: George Herbert wrote “Hell is full of good meanings and wishings” in 1651, and John Ray’s 1670 proverb collection gives “Hell is paved with good intentions.” The full modern form — “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” — first appears in print in Henry G. Bohn’s Hand-book of Proverbs in 1855. It is often wrongly credited to Samuel Johnson, who was simply quoting a proverb already well known in his day.
Examples in a Sentence
- “He kept promising to visit his ageing parents but never did — the road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
- “The policy was meant to help, yet it made things worse. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
- “I meant to start saving months ago; the road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
Similar Proverbs
- Actions speak louder than words — what you do matters more than what you intend.
- Well done is better than well said — Franklin’s reminder that doing beats declaring.
- The proof of the pudding is in the eating — judge by results, not promises.
- Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today — intentions must become action.
For more sayings about intentions and action, see our actions speak louder than words and religion and spirituality sayings, or browse the full library of proverbs and their meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” mean?
It means that good intentions count for little if they aren’t acted on — meaning well can even lead to harm when it isn’t backed by follow-through.
Who said it first?
The idea is credited to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (“Hell is full of good intentions”). The full modern proverb first appears in print in 1855; it is often wrongly attributed to Samuel Johnson, who merely quoted it.
Is it in the Bible?
No — the proverb is not a Bible verse, though it expresses a moral idea (that faith and good intent must be matched by deeds) found throughout scripture.