8 Proverbs That Contain Deep Truths About Life

Photo byFabiola Velasquez

Why do we love proverbs so much? Because they tell us the truth. Because they simplify reality. They do not contain scientific knowledge, but this does not prevent people from getting ready-made answers to many of their questions. They offer us timeless wisdom in a succinct and poetic form.

Across the Arabic-speaking world, a rich set of proverbs has developed, reflecting the diverse history, beliefs, and experiences of wise people. These sayings serve as profound lessons that are passed down from generation to generation.

Here are 8 Arabic proverbs that contain deep truths about life:

1) "The truly intelligent person is not the one who distinguishes good from evil, but the one who can choose the lesser of all evils."

True wisdom is not simply recognizing the difference between right and wrong, but rather navigating situations where all decisions and options will have negative consequences. Intelligence is not simply knowing right from wrong, but making the best possible choice when faced with difficult decisions, even when all options are less than ideal.

2) “A truly great man is one who is independent of people.”

True greatness is not measured by a person's reliance on the approval or support of others, but by their ability to be firm and independent in their beliefs, actions, and achievements. A great person can follow their own path, even if no one supports them and persuades them to give up their goals and desires. A great person is one who speaks their mind and never gives up their values ​​and principles.

3) "A lion's bite heals faster than envy"

Physical injuries can heal much faster than the destructive impact of envy on relationships and our personal well-being. Envy eats away at us from the inside, darkens our lives, and affects our relationships with loved ones.

4) “You can only pour out of a vessel what is in it.”

This wonderful proverb can be applied to all areas of human life. For example, in the financial sphere, we cannot spend more than we have. In the sphere of relationships with other people, we cannot expect more from them than they can give.

We cannot succeed if we do not have the necessary skills and knowledge. We cannot be happy if we do not have good relationships with other people. And we cannot live a full life if we do not have health and well-being.

This proverb is a wise piece of advice that can help us avoid many problems and failures. It reminds us that we should be realistic and consider our capabilities before making decisions.

5) “A fool is forgiven a hundred mistakes, but a smart one is forgiven none.”

Often stupid people are treated more leniently than smart people, and not much is expected of them. This may be unfair, but it is a fact that must be taken into account.

6) "Don't open a door that you can't close."

This proverb advises to be careful and prudent in your actions. It suggests to refrain from starting something or getting involved in a situation that a person cannot control or manage the consequences.

7) “When you lend money, you are a friend, but when you demand it back, you are an enemy.”

They say, if you don't want to lose a friend, don't lend him money. Someone has probably already lost friends, acquaintances, or cut off communication with relatives because of money. And here, the question is not about the relationships that exist between people, but about our expectations.

8) “You can recognize a foolish man by six things: anger without cause, speech without benefit, change without progress, research without purpose, trust in a stranger, and mistaking enemies for friends.”

Arabic proverbs serve as lessons of wisdom, offering guidance and understanding of life's complexities.

I wonder what you think about these statements? Which proverb did you like the most? Write in the comments.