The phrase “you cannot serve two masters” originates from the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Matthew 6:24. The full verse states:
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
This saying highlights the idea that one cannot be fully committed to two different, often conflicting, priorities or loyalties. It is commonly interpreted to mean that attempting to divide one’s loyalties between two conflicting interests will lead to an inevitable conflict of values and priorities, making it impossible to fully serve either master effectively. In the biblical context, it emphasizes the choice between devotion to spiritual pursuits versus material wealth.