Don't Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth

Let's appreciate, not dissect nor inspect.

So, my dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. James 1:16-17.

One can determine a horse’s health by examining its teeth.

Suppose you have a birthday party and Aunt Betty gives you a neon-green, hand-knitted sweater with a lopsided reindeer.

Your first instinct might be to inspect it like a detective, wondering if it’s secretly a gag gift.

But hold your horses—specifically, don’t look that gift horse in the mouth!

This age-old saying reminds us to accept life’s gifts with gratitude, not skepticism.

From its ancient origins to its modern wisdom, gifts should be embraced with an appreciation for the giver's kindness, compassion, and generosity.

The Etymology (Origin) of the Phrase

The phrase “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” has roots older than your grandma’s fruitcake recipe.

It’s believed to date back to at least the 4th century, attributed to St. Jerome, who wrote in his Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians (circa 400 CE). Jerome wrote: