The Jewish Wisdom Database

The fruit of boasting is hatred.

The body is the instrument of the soul, to carry our all works.

Books were written not for fools but for the wise.

Idleness causes boredom.

Until my creation I was unworthy and, now that I have been created, it is as though I still exist not.

Who borrows from Man is as one who borrows from God.

Good bread cannot be baked out of bad wheat.

You cannot be a broom and remain clean.

Your elder brother should be respected like your father.

Do not grasp a fierce bull by the horns.

One man's candle is light for many.

Not the cardplayer pays the penalty but only the man who knows not how to play, yet does.

What is the point of being careful if you have nothing to lose?

You don't put the cat in charge of the cream.

One of the rules of caution is not to be too cautious.

The cautious man will reach his goal.

If you see a graveyard before you, know that the town is nearby.

Who changes his place changes his luck.

If you behold a custom set by your forefathers, change it not!

If you change the language, you change the content.

Every change is for the better.

Whoso has no choice has neither good nor evil urge.

Who chooses too much should not fret at his lot.

If it be as clear to you as the light of morn, say it! If it be not, say it not!

Let your words be simple, that they need no interpreting; and let their meaning be understood, that they need no proof.