live by the sword, die by the sword

== English == === Etymology === From the Bible, Matthew 26:52, where Jesus rebukes one of his disciples for having used his sword against a servant of the High Priest of Israel. === Pronunciation === === Proverb === live by the sword, die by the sword One who uses violence can expect a violent response; it is better to try to use peaceful means wherever possible. (figuratively) One can expect dire outcomes from any vice; used to convey a sense that poetic justice is inevitable. (figuratively) The means of one's success can become the means of one's downfall. ==== Translations ==== === References ===