The Jewish Wisdom Database

The man who persists in knocking will succeed in entering.

A tiny fly can choke a big man.

A proverb has three characteristics: few words, good sense, and a fine image.

A proverb without wisdom is like a body without a foot.

As long as I do not utter a word, I am its master; once I utter it, I am its slave.

What you think of others tells us what they think of you.

Your secret is your prisoner; once you reveal it, you become its slave.

A man of good sense guards his tongue and attends to his own affairs.

The sleeping cat doesn't catch a rat.

You may regret your silence once, but you will regret your speech twice.

Guard your tongue as you treasure your wealth.

Wisdom is to the soul as food is to the body.

The worst of men is he whose tongue is mightier than his mind.

If you bring suspicion on yourself, don't condemn anyone who thinks ill of you.

A man's ear belongs to himself; his tongue belongs to others.

You may regret your silence once, but you will regret your talk twice.

If a man cannot control his temper, how much less can he control others?

The most effective defense against temptation is this: Shut your eyes.

Dive into the sea of thought, and find there pearls beyond price.

Thought serves as a mirror: it shows us the ugliness and the beauty within.

Visiting is like rain: prayed for when absent, but tiresome when overdone.

Wealth brings anxiety, but wisdom leads to peace of mind.

Poverty cannot disgrace the wise man, nor can lust enslave him.

The wise are pleased when they discover truths; fools are pleased when they discover falsehoods.

No man is wise unless he possesses three qualities: never to scorn one less learned who seeks wisdom; never to envy someone who is richer; and never to accept a fee for his learning.