He that steals honey should beware of the Sting. 
Proverbs on a similar topic
- There is no smoke without fire
- A small leak will Sink a great ship.
- He who lives by the sword dies by the sword.
- You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.
- A cat in gloves catches no mice.
- The pitcher goes so often to the well, that it is broken at last.
- He that touches pitch shall be defiled.
- He that lies down with dogs must rise up with fleas.
- Of a small spark a great fire.
Related proverbs
Similar proverbs in another language
Latin
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Vix sine sorde potes participare luto.
You can hardly participate in the mud without dirt.
French
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Qui manie le miel s'en lèche les doigts.
Those who handle honey lick their fingers.
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Qui entre dans un moulin, il convient de nécessité qu'il enfarine.
Whoever enters a mill, it is of necessity that he flours.
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On ne manie pas le beurre sans se graisser les doigts.
You can't handle butter without greasing your fingers.
German
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Wer mit Honig umgeht, leckt auch einmal die Finger.
Those who handle honey, also lick their fingers once.
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Wenn man mit Butter umgeht, macht man sich fettig.
When you handle butter, you make yourself greasy.
Czech
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Kdo rukama med míchá, prsty olíže.
He who stirs the honey with his hands licks his fingers.