Arab Proverbs

A proverb is a pretty much a useful thought from ancient times. Here are a few useful thoughts from the old Middle East.

A promise is a cloud; fulfillment is rain.

He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything.(I used this one to start a post to my UCF blog - may not be up till Monday - the slackers over there don't work weekends. Click on "Renergize With the Souls of the Dead")

Ask the experienced rather than the learned.

Dwell not upon thy weariness, thy strength shall be according to the measure of thy desire.

Examine what is said, not him who speaks.

The whisper of a pretty girl can be heard further than the roar of a lion.

Better a thousand enemies outside the house than one inside. (This validates the saying that the one who sleeps next to your ear at night is the most beneficial or most dangerous person in your life.)

Every delay has its blessings.

In the desert of life the wise person travels by caravan, while the fool prefers to travel alone.

Your tongue is like a horse--if you take care of it, it takes care of you; if you treat it badly, it treats you badly.

Think of the going out before you enter.

The mind is for seeing, the heart is for hearing.

When a door opens not to your knock, consider your reputation.

Every son of Adam keeps hoping until he is carried away to his grave.

Life without a friend is death without a witness.

It may be a fire today, but tomorrow it will be only ashes.

If you are going to dream, dream of the moon.

He who does not understand a look, will not understand long explanations.

The men are the wool of the tribe, but the women are the ones who weave the pattern.