The Proverb
Treasury

“The careful hand tests the doorway before carrying the table through it.”

“A borrowed lamp still leaves you in the dark when the lender goes home.”

“He who asks the road cannot be lost for long.”

“Depth does not petition the surface for recognition.”

“Wisdom walks slowly, but she never has to turn around.”

“A full head and an empty heart make a poor harvest.”

“The one who listens twice speaks once and rules the room.”

“Knowledge gathers the wood; wisdom knows when to light it.”

“A closed hand cannot catch what heaven is throwing.”

“The river that argues with the mountain always loses, yet still reaches the sea.”

“He who counts his steps forgets to look at the road.”

“A question honestly asked is already half an answer.”

“The old dog knows which gate the wolf prefers.”

“Wisdom is the harvest of yesterday's wounds.”

“One faithful flame can make a vast darkness confess its limits.”

“He who understands the seed does not weep at the burial.”

“The wise ear outlives the clever tongue.”

“A map is not the mountain, and a sermon is not the walk.”

“He who learns the price before the purchase keeps his coat.”

“The shallow stream flatters every stone; the deep one moves it.”

“The tallest tree meets the strongest wind.”

“He who bows at the door walks tallest in the house.”

“Self-made crowns are usually fitted by the same pride that makes them fall.”

“Pride packs the bag; the ditch unpacks it.”