Proverbs are popular, short and wise sayings with words of advice or warning. Here is a short list of proverbs still in current use.
Seeing is believing
Some people do not believe in anything unless they see it. Self-praise is no recommendation
A person who praises himself is never believed.
Set a beggar on horseback and he’ll ride to the devil
When a poor person suddenly grows rich, he is likely to become very arrogant.
Set a thief to catch a thief
A thief knows all the tricks of the trade. Therefore if you want to catch a thief, set another thief to catch him.
The shortest way round is the longest way home
Short cuts can involve you in many difficulties.
Silence gives consent
If someone makes no protest, we assume that they have no objection.
So many countries, so many customs
Every country has its own way of living and standard of behaviour.
A soft answer turneth away wrath
If someone loses his temper and shouts at you, do not shout back.
Some are wise and some are otherwise
Some people are wise and others are not.
Some people cannot see the wood for the trees
Those who cannot see the wood for the trees are those who become so involved in detail that they cannot see the matter as a whole. Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind
One evil leads to a worse evil.
Spare the rod and spoil the child
A child’s character will not improve if he is not punished for his wrongdoings.
Speak fair and think what you like
Treat others with civility.
Speak the truth and shame the devil
Speak the truth even if you are tempted to tell lies.
Speak well of the dead
Say nothing but good about the dead because they cannot speak for themselves.
Speech is silver, silence is golden
There are times when it is better to remain silent than to speak.
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
You may be willing to do something but your physical condition may prevent you from doing it.
A still tongue makes a wise head
You can learn more by listening to other people than by talking. Still waters run deep
Those who talk too much have no depth of feeling.
A stich in time saves nine
Prompt action may prevent serious trouble in the future.
A straw will show which way the wind blows
Small events can be a guide to momentous happenings.
The strength of the chain is in the weakest link
If a number of people have joined together in some enterprise, the weakest link is he who lets down his companions by not playing his part.
Stretch your legs according to your coverlet
Always try to adjust yourself to changing circumstances.
Strike while the iron is hot
Choose the right moment to act.
Success has many friends
A successful man gains good opinions of those who had no time for him before he became famous. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof
Do not add to the difficulties of today by worrying about what is going to happen tomorrow.
The sun is never the worse for shining on a dunghill
Good people are not corrupted by their surroundings.
Sweet are the uses of adversity
Misfortunes can sometimes be a blessing in disguise.
The tailor makes the man
Good clothes can make a man more impressive than he really is.