Speak with money, act with heart，錢在哪心就在哪？比錢更重要的是什麽？

“Speak with money, act with heart”: Maugham’s saying really makes sense.

Maugham has a saying that I think about more and more and find so true: “Only those who support you with money truly recognize you; people who genuinely want to help you never waste time with empty talk.” This statement isn’t fancy, but it hits home. We all live in this world wanting recognition and hoping someone will lend a hand. But while it’s easy to say nice things, how many actually spend money or take action? Let me chat with you about the wisdom hidden in this saying.

Money is more reliable than words

People love hearing kind words. If someone says, “You’re amazing,” your heart blooms with joy. But how much are those words worth? My neighbor Old Li always says he supports my gardening, but when I need soil or fertilizer, he doesn’t give a penny. On the other hand, Little Zhang says little but slipped me fifty bucks last week, saying, “Auntie, buy some seeds.” Tell me, who really recognizes me?

They say when someone spends money, they need to justify it to themselves, or they feel cheated. So, those who spend money to support you probably truly believe in you. They don’t just talk—they vote with real cash. Sweet words are cheap; money shows true heart.

It’s been this way since our ancestors

Look at animals: in a wolf pack, the leader shares meat with someone, and that wolf remembers the favor. Humans are the same. Back when our ancestors lived, survival depended on helping each other. If someone gave you food, it was like making a lifelong friend. We don’t hunt anymore, but the principle hasn’t changed. Money is like the meat of old—whoever gives it to you considers you important.

In the village, Old Wang isn’t sweet-talking, but when a family lacks food, he carries a bag of rice over. No one praises his words, but everyone respects him. Why? He does more and talks less. True helpers don’t waste time chattering.

Money is a contract, words are wind

This society runs on rules, and everything needs proof. Saying “I’ll help you” doesn’t count—you need real action. Money is the proof. Whoever spends money to support you signs an invisible contract, saying, “I believe in you.” That’s more reliable than pretty words.

My grandson opened a shop, and friends all said, “It’ll succeed,” but none gave money. His aunt, without a word, handed over twenty thousand, saying, “Hold on for now.” That shop is still running. Tell me, who really helped him? Empty promises mean nothing; money is the hard truth.

Society is a mirror, showing the truth

People interact with a lively surface, but hidden thoughts lurk underneath. Some are sweet-talkers, but when you reach out, they run. Others stay quiet but pull you up in a pinch. Money is like a magic mirror—it reveals who’s real and who’s fake.

My sister Little Cui wanted to open a tailor shop, chatting about her dreams daily, but never acted. Then a girl from out of town, quiet and reserved, gave her five hundred bucks, saying, “Go for it.” Cui’s shop actually opened. Money is real support; too many words are often just flattery.

Even the heavens work this way

At night, looking at the stars, I feel the sky and earth are similar. The sun burns itself to give us light—does it complain? The moon stays silent, controlling tides without boasting. True help comes quietly.

People are the same. Those who truly recognize you spend money and effort without shouting about it. Those who only talk without acting are like clouds in the sky—pretty to look at but impossible to hold.

A heartwarming story

When my dad was young and poor, he wanted to learn carpentry but couldn’t afford tools. Villagers watched the fun, saying, “Your dad has potential,” but no one helped. Then a mute uncle carried a saw to him and tossed ten bucks before leaving. Dad became a carpenter and always said, “Those ten bucks saved my life.”

The mute uncle never spoke kindly, but those ten bucks spoke louder than anyone. True helpers’ actions are enough.

Have we misunderstood?

Maugham’s words sting, but they make me think—have we made “recognition” and “help” too beautiful in our minds? We feel good when someone praises us, but it fades with the wind. What’s truly valuable is those who open their wallets or lend a hand. They stay quiet but carry weight.

I wonder if I also love empty talk. Next time I praise someone, I’ll ask: Do I really support them? If not, I won’t babble.

A few final words

Maugham’s saying is like my old kitchen knife—plain but cuts accurately. To see who’s good to you and who’s sincere, watch their actions, not just their words. Those who spend money to support you back you with their lives; those who help quietly keep you in their hearts. Words are worthless; actions are precious.

I’ve chatted a lot—listen and think. Figure out who’s real gold and who’s empty talk in your life, and you’ll know. Life is long; take your time to see.

Vocabulary, Phrases, Idioms, and Slang Explained (American Elementary Level and Up):

    1.    Makes sense - Meaning: Seems logical or reasonable.
    •    Explanation: When something “makes sense,” it’s like solving a puzzle that fits perfectly!
    2.    Hits home - Idiom: Feels very true or personal.
    •    Explanation: It’s like an arrow hitting the exact spot in your heart because it feels so real.
    3.    Lend a hand - Idiom: To help someone.
    •    Explanation: Imagine giving someone a hand to climb up—like being a helpful friend!
    4.    Hidden wisdom - Meaning: Deep, secret knowledge or truth.
    •    Explanation: It’s like finding a treasure chest of smart ideas buried in a story.
    5.    Blooms with joy - Meaning: Feels very happy, like a flower opening.
    •    Explanation: When you’re excited, it’s like your heart turns into a bright, blooming flower!
    6.    Worth - Meaning: The value of something.
    •    Explanation: Ask, “How much is this toy worth?” to know if it’s valuable or not.
    7.    Slipped me - Slang: Gave me something quietly or sneakily.
    •    Explanation: It’s like someone sliding a candy into your hand when no one’s looking—cool!
    8.    Justify - Meaning: To explain or prove something is right.
    •    Explanation: It’s like telling your mom why you deserve an extra cookie!
    9.    Vote with cash - Idiom: Show support by spending money.
    •    Explanation: It’s like using your dollars to say, “I believe in you!” instead of just talking.
    10.    Sweet-talking - Meaning: Using kind words to persuade or flatter.
    •    Explanation: It’s like using honeyed words to make someone smile and agree with you.
    11.    Principle - Meaning: A basic rule or belief.
    •    Explanation: Think of it as a life lesson, like “sharing is caring,” that never changes.
    12.    In a pinch - Idiom: In a difficult or urgent situation.
    •    Explanation: It’s like needing help when you’re stuck, and someone saves the day!
    13.    Magic mirror - Meaning: Something that reveals the truth.
    •    Explanation: Imagine a fairy-tale mirror showing who’s good or bad—money does that here!
    14.    Flattery - Meaning: Excessive or insincere praise.
    •    Explanation: It’s like someone saying, “You’re the best!” just to butter you up, not meaning it.
    15.    Burns itself - Meaning: Sacrifices itself for others.
    •    Explanation: The sun “burns” to give light, like giving up something to help—wow!
    16.    Boasting - Meaning: Bragging or showing off.
    •    Explanation: It’s like shouting, “Look at me, I’m awesome!” to get attention.
    17.    Impossible to hold - Meaning: Can’t be kept or grabbed.
    •    Explanation: Clouds look nice but slip away if you try to catch them—same with empty talk!
    18.    Potential - Meaning: The ability to become something great.
    •    Explanation: It’s like a seed that can grow into a big tree with the right care.
    19.    Tossed - Meaning: Threw something casually.
    •    Explanation: Imagine tossing a ball to a friend without much thought—easy!
    20.    Sting - Meaning: To hurt or make you think hard.
    •    Explanation: Maugham’s words “sting” like a bee, making you reflect deeply.
    21.    Fades with the wind - Idiom: Disappears quickly or easily.
    •    Explanation: Praise can blow away like leaves in the wind—gone in a moment!
    22.    Open their wallets - Idiom: Spend money to help.
    •    Explanation: It’s like unlocking a treasure chest to share with someone you care about.
    23.    Carry weight - Idiom: Have importance or influence.
    •    Explanation: Actions that “carry weight” are like heavy rocks that matter a lot!
    24.    Babble - Meaning: Talk too much or nonsense.
    •    Explanation: It’s like chatting without stopping, like a little brook babbling along!
    25.    Plain - Meaning: Simple or not fancy.
    •    Explanation: An old knife is plain, not shiny, but it still works great!
    26.    Cuts accurately - Meaning: Works precisely or effectively.
    •    Explanation: A good knife “cuts accurately” like it knows exactly where to slice!
    27.    Back you with their lives - Idiom: Support you completely.
    •    Explanation: It’s like someone risking everything to stand by your side—super loyal!
    28.    Precious - Meaning: Very valuable or dear.
    •    Explanation: Actions are “precious” like a rare gem you want to keep forever.
    29.    Real gold - Idiom: Something or someone truly valuable.
    •    Explanation: It’s like finding pure gold, not fake stuff—real friends are like that!
    30.    Empty talk - Idiom: Words with no action or meaning.
    •    Explanation: It’s like hot air—sounds good but doesn’t do anything!
    31.    Take your time - Idiom: Go slowly and carefully.
    •    Explanation: Life is long, so “take your time” like enjoying a slow walk in the park!

Why This Is a Great English Learning Article:

This article blends wisdom from Maugham’s quote with everyday stories, making it engaging for non-native speakers. It starts with simple words like “joy” and “help,” then adds useful phrases like “lend a hand” and idioms like “hits home.” Slang like “slipped me” adds a fun, natural feel. Each term is explained with examples, helping learners visualize and use them. The mix of cultural insights (e.g., village life, money as trust) and personal reflection encourages speaking or writing practice. Perfect for building vocabulary, understanding idioms, and exploring life lessons in English!