You scatter meal and gather ashes. [ Proverb ]

To scatter ambiguous reports among the people. [ Virgil ]

Those that much covet are with gain so fond,
That what they have not, that which they possess,
They scatter and unloose it from their bond.
And so, by hoping more, they have but less. [ William Shakespeare ]

There is no beautifier of complexion or form or behavior like the wish to scatter joy, and not pain, around us. [ Emerson ]

Be generous, and pleasant-tempered, and forgiving; even as God scatters favors over thee, do thou scatter over the people. [ Saadi ]

By cultivating the beautiful, we scatter the seeds of heavenly flowers; by doing good, we foster those already belonging to humanity. [ Howard ]

Let your pen fail, begin to trifle with blotting-paper, look at the ceiling, bite your nails, and otherwise dally with your purpose, and you waste your time, scatter your thoughts, and repress the nervous energy necessary for your task. [ G. H. Lewes ]

We may scatter the seeds of courtesy and kindness around us at so little expense. Some of them will inevitably fall on good ground, and grow up into benevolence in the minds of others; and all of them will bear fruit of happiness in the bosom whence they spring. [ Bentham ]

Nature does not capriciously scatter her secrets as golden gifts to lazy pets and luxurious darlings, but imposes tasks when she presents opportunities, and uplifts him whom she would inform. The apple that she drops at the feet of Newton is but a coy invitation to follow her to the stars. [ Whipple ]

Enthusiasm is a virtue rarely to be met with in seasons of calm and unruffled prosperity. Enthusiasn: Nourishes in adversity, kindles in the hour of danger, and awakens to deeds of renown. The terrors of persecution only serve to quicken the energy of its purposes. It swells in proud integrity, and, great in the purity of its cause, it can scatter defiance amidst hosts of enemies. [ Dr. Chalmers ]