the spirit is willing, but the/(one's) body is weak
One has the desire or intention to change do something beneficial, but one lacks the resolve or motivation to do it. Every year I resolve to eat better and do more exercise; and every year, inevitably, the spirit is willing, but the body is weak. We all know someone who has the best intentions in the world to get their lives on the right track, whose spirit is willing, but their body is weak.
the spirit is willing, but the/(one's) flesh is weak
One has the desire or intention to change do something beneficial, but one lacks the resolve or motivation to do it. Every year I resolve to eat better and do more exercise; and every year, inevitably, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. We all know someone who has the best intentions in the world to get their lives on the right track, whose spirit is willing, but their flesh is weak.
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