10 of the Greatest Arab Proverbs which Explain Wisdom and Way of Life
By Ani Karapetyan/Contributing Writer
Proverbs are a fabulous way to gain insight into the life of other cultures. Through proverbs, we can see how much common philosophy is shared between cultures. Meanwhile, proverbs demonstrate the uniqueness of one particular culture.
Arabic proverbs and aphorisms absorbed wisdom accumulated over the centuries with the experience of dozens of generations. We propose to get acquainted with Arabic proverbs and sayings. Sayings that differed in imagery and laconicism firmly entered the Arabic language and became “winged” expressions that Arabs have used for many centuries.
Here is a selection of the10 greatest Arab proverbs which explain wisdom and way of life:
1. “Get together like brothers, but work together like strangers.”
This proverb states the importance of being professional in work regardless of who you work with.
2. “Avoid things that will require an apology.”
If you want to do something that you know you’ll have to apologize for, you should probably just not do it!
3. “The wisest is the one who can forgive.”
Arabs know that the forgiveness is the greatest virtue.
4. “Wishing does not make a poor man rich.”
This proverb stresses the common truth that the actions are the key to success.
5. “Be wary around your enemy once, and your friend a thousand times. A double crossing friend knows more about what harms you.”
Indeed, our friends know better about our vulnerable sides that our enemies. So, be aware of the friends too, because sometimes, friends also turn into enemies.
6. “Lack of intelligence is the greatest poverty.”
This proverb states the truth of all times.
7. “Laugh and the world laughs with you; weep, and you weep alone.”
This proverb has a double meaning; one is that people like sharing happy moments and you, most likely will not be alone as long as you have happy moments. The second meaning of the proverb is the importance of being positive in order to attract people.
8. “We have one language, and two ears for a reason: we need to listen more than we speak.”
This is the guiding proverb for every wise person.
9. “Victory over the weak is like defeat” Yes!
10. “Few know how much we must know in order to know how little we know.”
The wise man knows that the knowledge is never enough.