The Jewish Wisdom Database

Who disregards charity is as one that serves idols.

How blindfolded are those who take bribes!

A bribe blinds the clever, and how much more so the fool!

Every bribery of speech is also forbidden.

Who accepts alms he needs not will end by truly needing alms before he leaves this world.

Many have drunk from this cup of mourning and many will drink.

Payment of debt is a religious commandment.

One should not rear a vicious dog in one's home.

No one drinks from a glass without examining it first.

An emergency alters the situation.

Insulting one's senior is not the same as insulting one's junior.

Dwell in Israel, even among a majority of idolaters, rather than outside Israel, even among a majority of Jews!

Whoso lives in the Land of Israel is as one who has God.

Who walks four cubits in the Land of Israel is certain of the next world.

When a life is at stake, one must not follow the majority.

You cannot liken the self-taught man to the schooled.

A woman's shame is greater than a man's.

Once a witness has given his evidence, he cannot change it.

A woman feels shame more keenly than a man.

We should be grateful for the rogues among the poor; were it not for them, we would sin each time we ignore an appeal.

If charity costs nothing, the world would be full of philanthropists.

The best charity is good will.

A man gives little if he gives much with a frown; he gives much if he gives little with a smile.

To dwell in the Holy Land tends to prevent sin.