Select the most appropriate meaning of the given proverb.
There but for the grace of God go I.
- AOption (a)
Fortunate circumstances often result more from providence than personal merit.
- BOption (b)
One's immunity to hardship is earned through righteous conduct and faith.
- COption (c)
Adversity strikes impartially, but enduring it reveals inner virtue.
- DOption (d)
Moral judgment should be tempered by the belief in retributive justice.
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Correct answer
Fortunate circumstances often result more from providence than personal merit.
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is: Option 1.
Key Points
- The proverb "There but for the grace of God go I" means that someone's fortunate circumstances or avoidance of misfortune are attributed more to divine providence or external factors than personal merit or effort. (भगवान की कृपा से मैं बचा हुआ हूं।)
- Example: When seeing someone struggling with poverty, one might say, "There but for the grace of God go I," acknowledging that they could have been in the same position if not for their own fortunate circumstances.
- Option 1: Fortunate circumstances often result more from providence than personal merit. (भाग्यशाली परिस्थितियाँ अक्सर ईश्वरीय कृपा से होती हैं, न कि व्यक्तिगत योग्यता से।)
- Example: The billionaire philanthropist humbly acknowledged, "There but for the grace of God go I," crediting his wealth to luck and opportunity rather than personal achievement.
- Hence, the correct interpretation of the proverb is reflected in Option 1.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1.
Additional Information
Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:
- Option 2: One's immunity to hardship is earned through righteous conduct and faith. (कठिनाइयों से बचने की क्षमता धर्म और विश्वास के माध्यम से अर्जित की जाती है।)
- Example: The spiritual leader insisted that faith and good deeds shield people from suffering.
- Option 3: Adversity strikes impartially, but enduring it reveals inner virtue. (कठिनाइयाँ सभी पर आती हैं, लेकिन उन्हें सहन करना आंतरिक गुण को प्रकट करता है।)
- Example: Those who survive hardships with dignity often gain deeper wisdom and resilience.
- Option 4: Moral judgment should be tempered by the belief in retributive justice. (नैतिक निर्णय को प्रतिशोधात्मक न्याय के विश्वास से संयमित किया जाना चाहिए।)
- Example: The judge reminded the jury to consider the principle of retributive justice while delivering the verdict.