A collection of some ancient and famous Jewish proverbs and sayings.
A mother understands what a child does not say. ~Jewish Proverb
If there is bitterness in the heart, sugar in the mouth won’t make life sweeter. ~Jewish Proverb
You can’t force anyone to love you or lend you money. ~Jewish Proverb
What one has, one doesn’t want, and what one wants, one doesn’t have. ~Jewish Proverb
Don’t open a shop unless you know how to smile. ~Jewish Proverb
Don’t be sweet, lest you be eaten up; don’t be bitter, lest you be spewed out. ~Jewish Proverb
A half-truth is a whole lie. ~Jewish Proverb
Don’t sell the sun to buy a candle. ~Jewish Proverb
Pride joined with many virtues chokes them all. ~Jewish Proverb
The man who gives little with a smile gives more than the man who gives much with a frown. ~Jewish Proverb
As you teach, you learn. ~Jewish Proverb
Beware of the person who gives you advice according to his own interests. ~Jewish Proverb
Only love gives us the taste of eternity. ~Jewish Proverb
Don’t live in a town where there are no doctors. ~Jewish Proverb
When you have no choice, mobilize the spirit of courage. ~Jewish Proverb
A bird that you set free may be caught again, but a word that escapes your lips will not return. ~Jewish Proverb
What you don’t see with your eyes, don’t invent with your mouth. ~Jewish Proverb
Ask about your neighbors, then buy the house. ~Jewish Proverb
He who prays for his neighbor will be heard for himself. ~Jewish Proverb
Not to have felt pain is not to have been human. ~Jewish Proverb
If the rich could hire the poor to die for them, the poor would make a very nice living. ~Jewish Proverb
If God lived on earth, people would break his windows. ~Jewish Proverb
He that can’t endure the bad, will not live to see the good. ~Jewish Proverb
First mend yourself, and then mend others. ~Jewish Proverb
Anyone who teases you loves you. ~Jewish Proverb
Do not be wise in words – be wise in deeds. ~Jewish Proverb
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. ~Jewish Proverb
Prepare your proof before you argue. ~Jewish Proverb
A friend you have to buy; enemies you get for nothing. ~Jewish Proverb
A slave shows his true character, not while he is enslaved but when he becomes a master. ~Jewish Proverb
Among those who stand, do not sit; among those who sit, do not stand. Among those who laugh, do not weep; among those who weep, do not laugh. ~Jewish Proverb
Don’t make a fence more expensive or more important than what it is fencing. ~Jewish Proverb
Teach your tongue to say “I don’t know” instead of to make up something. ~Jewish Proverb
The good fellow to everyone is a good friend to no one. ~Jewish Proverb
Don’t trust someone who tells you all of his troubles and keeps you from all of his joys. ~Jewish Proverb
Even the most expensive clock still shows sixty minutes in every hour. ~Jewish Proverb
God is closest to those with broken hearts. ~Jewish Proverb
Make sure to be in with your equals if you’re going to fall out with your superiors. ~Jewish Proverb
Hospitality is one form of worship. ~Jewish Proverb
I felt sorry for myself because I had no shoes — until I met a man who had no feet. ~Jewish Proverb
Let your ears hear what your mouth says. ~Jewish Proverb
If not for fear, sin would be sweet. ~Jewish Proverb
If you don’t aspire to great things, you won’t attain small things. ~Jewish Proverb
Sympathy doesn’t provide food, but it makes hunger more endurable. ~Jewish Proverb
If you lie on the ground, you cannot fall. ~Jewish Proverb
Locks keep out only the honest. ~Jewish Proverb
When con men meet a legitimately honest man, they are so bewildered that they consider him a greater con man than themselves. ~Jewish Proverb
The rich man carries God in his pocket, the poor man in his heart. ~Jewish Proverb
Look for the good, not the evil, in the conduct of members of the family. ~Jewish Proverb
The righteous say little and do much. ~Jewish Proverb
Loose tongues are worse than wicked hands. ~Jewish Proverb
No one is as deaf as the man who will not listen. ~Jewish Proverb
One mother achieves more than a hundred teachers. ~Jewish Proverb
People make plans and God laughs. ~Jewish Proverb
Pride is the mask of one’s own faults. ~Jewish Proverb
The person who only accepts friends without faults will never have any real friends. ~Jewish Proverb
Truth is the safest lie. ~Jewish Proverb
When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when a son gives to his father, both cry. ~Jewish Proverb
When a habit begins to cost money, it’s called a hobby. ~Jewish Proverb
When two divorced people marry, four people get into bed. ~Jewish Proverb
When you open a door, don’t forget to close it. Treat your mouth accordingly. ~Jewish Proverb
Who finds a faithful friend, finds a treasure. ~Jewish Proverb
Your friend has a friend, and your friend’s friend has another friend — so know when to keep quiet. ~Jewish Proverb
Throughout history, cultures around the world have conveyed their accumulated wisdom through proverbs and sayings. These concise and often metaphorical expressions offer valuable life lessons and insights. In this exploration, we delve into a collection of ancient Jewish proverbs that continue to resonate with timeless wisdom, humor, and practical guidance.
Understanding the Unspoken
“A mother understands what a child does not say.” – Jewish Proverb
The bond between a mother and child is unparalleled, transcending words and language. This Jewish proverb beautifully captures the depth of maternal intuition. Mothers have an uncanny ability to perceive their children’s needs, worries, and emotions, even when they remain unspoken. It reminds us of the profound connection between a parent and child, built on love, care, and understanding.
The Bitterness of the Heart
“If there is bitterness in the heart, sugar in the mouth won’t make life sweeter.” – Jewish Proverb
This proverb offers a powerful message about the importance of addressing the root causes of bitterness and unhappiness. It suggests that external pleasures and comforts, symbolized by “sugar in the mouth,” cannot truly sweeten life if one carries resentment or bitterness within. It encourages introspection and the pursuit of inner peace and contentment as the key to a sweeter life.
The Limits of Love and Generosity
“You can’t force anyone to love you or lend you money.” – Jewish Proverb
This straightforward proverb conveys a fundamental truth about the boundaries of love and generosity. It reminds us that love and assistance should be freely given and received, without coercion or expectation. While we can express our love and offer help, we cannot compel others to reciprocate in kind. It emphasizes the importance of respecting individual choices and autonomy.
Desire and Contentment
“What one has, one doesn’t want, and what one wants, one doesn’t have.” – Jewish Proverb
This timeless proverb reflects the human tendency to often desire what is out of reach while taking for granted what is already possessed. It speaks to the perpetual cycle of craving and dissatisfaction. The wisdom lies in cultivating contentment with the present moment and appreciating the blessings we already enjoy rather than constantly chasing unfulfilled desires.
The Art of Smiling
“Don’t open a shop unless you know how to smile.” – Jewish Proverb
In the world of commerce and interpersonal relationships, a warm and welcoming demeanor goes a long way. This proverb humorously underscores the importance of a friendly and approachable attitude when engaging with others. It suggests that a genuine smile can be a valuable asset, opening doors to positive interactions and successful endeavors.
Balancing Sweetness and Bitterness
“Don’t be sweet, lest you be eaten up; don’t be bitter, lest you be spewed out.” – Jewish Proverb
Life often presents a delicate balance between being too accommodating (“sweet”) and overly critical or harsh (“bitter”). This proverb advises finding the middle ground, where one can assert themselves without being consumed by others’ demands or alienating them with negativity. It encourages a balanced and assertive approach to relationships and interactions.
The Whole Truth Matters
“A half-truth is a whole lie.” – Jewish Proverb
Honesty and integrity are foundational principles in many cultures, including Jewish tradition. This proverb emphasizes the importance of complete truthfulness. It suggests that presenting a partial truth, while omitting relevant details, is tantamount to deception. It underscores the value of transparency and ethical communication in building trust.
Candle vs. Sun
“Don’t sell the sun to buy a candle.” – Jewish Proverb
This proverb employs vivid imagery to convey a message about perspective and priorities. It advises against trading something immensely valuable, symbolized by “the sun,” for something of lesser worth, represented by “a candle.” It serves as a reminder to assess the true value of what we possess and avoid making hasty or ill-considered decisions.
The Dangers of Excessive Pride
“Pride joined with many virtues chokes them all.” – Jewish Proverb
While pride in one’s accomplishments and virtues can be healthy, excessive pride can become a hindrance. This proverb warns against the perils of excessive arrogance, which can overshadow one’s other virtues and lead to complacency. It encourages humility and balance in one’s self-assessment.
The Power of a Smile and Generosity
“The man who gives little with a smile gives more than the man who gives much with a frown.” – Jewish Proverb
This heartwarming proverb underscores the significance of the manner in which we give. It suggests that even a small gift or act of kindness, accompanied by a genuine smile, holds greater value than a more substantial offering given with a sour demeanor. It highlights the transformative power of a positive attitude and warm-heartedness in our interactions with others.
Learning and Teaching
“As you teach, you learn.” – Jewish Proverb
This proverb beautifully encapsulates the reciprocal relationship between teaching and learning. It emphasizes that the act of teaching is not just an imparting of knowledge but also an opportunity for the teacher to deepen their understanding. It encourages a continuous cycle of learning and sharing wisdom with others.
The Nature of Advice
“Beware of the person who gives you advice according to his own interests.” – Jewish Proverb
This cautionary proverb reminds us to be discerning when seeking advice from others. It suggests that some individuals may offer guidance with their own agenda or self-interest in mind. It encourages us to consider the motivations and intentions behind the advice we receive and to seek counsel from trusted and impartial sources.
The Transformative Power of Love
“Only love gives us the taste of eternity.” – Jewish Proverb
Love has been a central theme in countless proverbs and sayings throughout history. This Jewish proverb beautifully expresses the idea that love transcends the boundaries of time and mortality. It suggests that love, in its purest form, offers a glimpse of the timeless and eternal aspects of existence, reminding us of the profound significance of love in our lives.
Prioritizing Health
“Don’t live in a town where there are no doctors.” – Jewish Proverb
Health is undoubtedly one of life’s most precious assets. This proverb underscores the importance of residing in a place where access to medical care and healthcare professionals is readily available. It serves as a reminder of the value of taking proactive steps to prioritize one’s well-being and that of their community.
Summoning Courage in Adversity
“When you have no choice, mobilize the spirit of courage.” – Jewish Proverb
In challenging and seemingly insurmountable situations, this proverb encourages us to tap into our inner reservoir of courage. It suggests that when faced with no alternative, we should summon our inner strength and determination to confront adversity head-on. It reminds us that courage often emerges when it is most needed.
The Irretrievability of Words
“A bird that you set free may be caught again, but a word that escapes your lips will not return.” – Jewish Proverb
The spoken word carries a weight and permanence that can surpass physical actions. This proverb draws a vivid contrast between releasing a bird, which may be recaptured, and uttering words, which cannot be taken back. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of thoughtful and responsible communication.
The Consequences of Falsehood
“What you don’t see with your eyes, don’t invent with your mouth.” – Jewish Proverb
Falsehood and deceit can have far-reaching consequences. This proverb advises against fabricating stories or making unfounded claims based on imagination rather than evidence. It emphasizes the value of truth and integrity in all forms of communication, from personal interactions to public discourse.
Making Informed Decisions
“Ask about your neighbors, then buy the house.” – Jewish Proverb
Making informed decisions often requires gathering relevant information and considering various factors. This proverb suggests that before making a significant commitment, such as purchasing a house, it is wise to inquire about the neighborhood and the community. It encourages thorough research and prudent choices.
The Power of Prayer and Goodwill
“He who prays for his neighbor will be heard for himself.” – Jewish Proverb
Prayer is a powerful and deeply rooted practice in many cultures and religions. This proverb highlights the interconnectedness of individuals and suggests that offering prayers and goodwill for others can also bring blessings to oneself. It underscores the significance of empathy and support within communities.
Embracing the Human Experience
“Not to have felt pain is not to have been human.” – Jewish Proverb
Pain and suffering are integral aspects of the human experience. This proverb acknowledges that enduring hardship and facing pain are essential parts of our journey through life. It reminds us that our struggles and challenges contribute to our growth, resilience, and ultimately, our humanity.
Reflections on Wealth and Poverty
“If the rich could hire the poor to die for them, the poor would make a very nice living.” – Jewish Proverb
This clever and thought-provoking proverb offers a satirical take on the dynamics of wealth and power. It suggests that if the affluent could delegate their hardships to the less fortunate, the impoverished might find themselves in a surprisingly advantageous position. It serves as a commentary on societal inequality and the exploitation of the vulnerable.
The Quirks of Human Nature
“If God lived on earth, people would break his windows.” – Jewish Proverb
This humorous proverb playfully points out the quirks of human nature. It suggests that even if the divine were to dwell among mortals, some individuals might find ways to transgress or defy rules, even to the extent of breaking divine “windows.” It serves as a lighthearted reflection on human behavior and the capacity for mischief.
These ancient Jewish proverbs offer a window into the timeless wisdom, values, and insights that have guided generations. They touch upon a wide range of aspects of human life, from the intricacies of relationships and the importance of honesty to the significance of love and resilience in the face of adversity. As we explore these proverbs, we gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring wisdom that continues to inform and enrich our lives today.