The 22 Most Beautiful Proverbs from Around the World
Updated: Nov. 08, 2019
No matter how far we travel, truth and wisdom always feel familiar and comforting, perhaps because the love and hope they tout truly are universal.
“Truth is more valuable if it takes you a few years to find it.” —French proverb
This lesson, 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.
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“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.
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“Coffee and love taste best when hot.” —Ethiopian proverb
So true: Passion and lattes are most delicious when piping hot!
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“The pen is mightier than the sword.” —English proverb
The power of the written word can change ideas, policies, and the world at large.
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“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.
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“It takes a whole village to raise a child.” —African proverb
Any parent knows there is no such thing as too much help when it comes to looking after children. And each person brings his or her own gifts and contributions to the effort.
“Turn your face toward the sun and the shadows fall behind you.” —Maori proverb
This proverb promotes optimism and positive thinking. As we look forward toward brighter things, darkness literally recedes.
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“Some men go through a forest and see no firewood.” —English proverb
Success depends on our perspective and our ingenuity. If we remain open to possibilities, we can make full use of the resources at our fingertips.
“The tree with most leaves will not necessarily produce juicy fruit.” —Brazilian proverb
A tropical take on the familiar maxim “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” A showy appearance is no guarantee of a person’s ultimate worth.
“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.
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“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.
“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.
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“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.
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“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.
“If you can walk you can dance. If you can talk you can sing.” —Zimbabwe proverb
This proverb about life reminds us that we don’t have to do things perfectly in order to do them and enjoy them. So whatever it is you’re doing, don’t be afraid to do it with style… go big or go home!
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“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.
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“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.
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