22 Most Beautiful Proverbs from Around the World
Updated: Aug. 15, 2021We may travel far and wide, but wisdom and wit will always ring true. These sayings from countries all over this beautiful world reveal important lessons and universal truths for us all.
Proverb definition
What is a proverb? The proverb definition, according to Merriam-Webster, is “a brief popular epigram or maxim.” Read on for these proverbs about life, proverbs about wisdom, and everything in between.
“Truth is more valuable if it takes you a few years to find it.” —French proverb
This proverb about life, often attributed to French author Jules Renard, speaks to the wisdom of age and experience. It’s taken from the original French: La vérité vaut bien qu’on passe quelques années sans la trouver. Don’t miss these 21 other quotes that will lift you up.
“There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out.” —Russian proverb
Ignorance isn’t simply a lack of knowledge but a rejection of education. As long as we are open to finding out more, we will never stop learning.
“Coffee and love taste best when hot.” —Ethiopian proverb
So true: Passion and lattes are most delicious when piping hot! In need of a good laugh? Take a look at the 75 funniest quotes of all time.
“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” —Japanese proverb
This Japanese proverb teaches us that perseverance is one of the most important virtues. There are lots of Japanese proverbs, but this one reminds us that hardly anyone succeeds on their first try or even their second—you just have to keep on keeping on!
“If you can’t live longer, live deeper.” —Italian proverb
None of us can predict how long we will live, which is why it is so important to live each day with intention and purpose. Read on for 10 wise quotes to stop an argument in its tracks.
“Turn your face toward the sun and the shadows fall behind you.” —Maori proverb
This proverb about wisdom promotes optimism and positive thinking. As we look forward toward brighter things, darkness literally recedes. Find out 12 surprising phrases you never realized came from the Bible.
“Begin to weave and God will give the thread.” —German proverb
This proverb about life reminds us to have faith in our dreams. If we don’t start the projects we care about, they’ll never happen! Active engagement, focus, and determination attract the resources we need. Check out these 24 surprising Bible facts.
“A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.” —Chinese proverb
Don’t overthink things. Don’t assume that everything around you has a hidden meaning. Similarly, be yourself, do what comes naturally, and you’ll be in harmony with your surroundings.
“Even though you know a thousand things, ask the man who knows one.” —Turkish proverb
Don’t be a know-it-all! Regardless of how smart and well informed you are, there’s always an expert whose knowledge of a particular subject outshines yours. And even a humble person may have his or her specialty. Here are some Latin phrases that will make you sound smarter.
“Those who wish to sing always find a song.” –Swedish proverb
To a very great extent, life is what we bring to it. When we’re actively seeking joyful positive experiences, we’re so much more likely to find them. Learn a thing or two from these 16 powerful quotes that remind you to be grateful every day.
“It’s not enough to learn how to ride, you must also learn how to fall.” —Mexican proverb
This proverb about life is about acceptance, and viewing failure and success in any venture as two sides of the same coin. Being a gracious loser requires a set of skills as important as those needed for being a gracious winner—and you may wind up using them more frequently!
“Hunger is felt by a slave and hunger is felt by a king.” —Ghanaian proverb
At our most basic, all human beings are more alike than we are different. This proverb offers a subtle reminder to practice compassion for those at both ends of the economic spectrum, regardless of our own position in society. Here are 19 powerful quotes to inspire kindness.
“The work praises the man.” —Irish proverb
We put something precious of ourselves into everything that we create with conviction. If you do a good job, you don’t need to toot your own horn. Your work will speak for itself—more convincingly than any form of self promotion.
“A mother understands what a child does not say.” —Yiddish proverb
What a beautiful way to evoke the wordless intimacy of the parent-child relationship at its best! And any good pediatrician will defer to a mother who knows her infant is coming down with a bug…because she knows her baby best.
“Cheese, wine, and friends must be old to be good.” —Cuban proverb
Like cheese and wine, friendship ripens and develops over time. Be careful who you trust; don’t rush into a shallow intimacy and expect it to equal the value of long-established bonds.
“The best candle is understanding.” —Welsh proverb
Don’t rush off haphazardly without a plan. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s as though you’re walking blindly into the dark. Use the gift of knowledge to illuminate your path. Need more inspiration besides these proverbs about wisdom? Here are some more lovely quotes to brighten your day.
“Even from a foe a man may learn wisdom.” —Greek proverb
Sometimes unpleasant or difficult situations can teach us the most important lessons about ourselves and about life. Here’s what this proverb about wisdom is telling you: Don’t close yourself off from knowledge just because you don’t appreciate the source of the information. If you enjoyed learning about these proverbs, check out our favorite lines from the 30 most quotable books ever written.
