Various Proverbs from Around the World

Here are little tidbits of truth, condensed into small sentences, that still stand up to scrutiny even after translation.  No wonder Solomon wrote, almost 300 years ago, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver" (Prov. 25:11).  May God fill us with His Word and with His Spirit so that we are able to give proper responses to those around us.

• Words are like eggs: when they hatch they have wings.  (Madagascar)
• A thorn defends the rose, harming only those who would steal the blossom.  (China)
• There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out.  (Russia)
• He that will not look forward must look behind.  (Gaelic)
• If you want your dreams to come true, don't over sleep.  (Yiddish)
• If you destroy a bridge, be sure you can swim.  (Swahili)
• Many will show you the way once your cart has overturned.  (Kurdish)
• Goodness speaks in a whisper, evil shouts.  (Tibetan)
• No one says his own buttermilk is sour.  (Afghanistan)
• If luck be with you, why worry; if luck be against you, why worry?  (Afghanistan)
• Among the bling the squint rules.  (Hindu)
• A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains.  (Netherlands)
• After all is said and done, more is said than done.  (United States)
• To bend a bamboo, start when it is a shoot.  (Malaysia)
• Even the crude person pleases if he has money.  (Latin)  Ovid, Ars Amatoria, II, 276
• The brave man may fall, but not yield.  (Latin)