Proverbs are used by us in our daily life and most times we do not appreciate their real meaning. Each language has its own proverbs and sometimes one finds that the same proverb exists in several languages.

German proverbs

“A healthy man is a rich man.” The meaning is that health is more important than wealth.
“Do not paint the devil on the wall.” The meaning is do not assume the worst and imagine something will go wrong.
“Everything has an end, only the sausage has two.” The meaning in English is all things must come to an end.

Hindi proverbs

“Sour grapes.” In English the meaning is the same.
“How can a monkey know the taste of ginger?” In English it is casting pearls before swine.
“The yellow lentils have some black in them.” The English meaning ‘It is more than meets the eye.’

English proverbs

“To thine own self be true.” Shakespeare.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Charles Dickens.
“All’s fair in love and war.”

Why read proverbs? Proverbs perform all the functions of scriptures. It is mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:16.

It corrects when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Proverbs teach us Godly principles that will bring peace and contentment, rebukes us for the sins we have committed and show us how to correct our way of life.

Dharma (righteousness) is more important than any divine boon. – Lord Rama in the Ramayana.

It means truth alone triumphs, not falsehood.

Wealth without ethics is like a well without water. – Valmiki

Proverbs play a very important part in our spiritual development.

Aim Hrim Klim