When a mean wretch cannot vie with another in virtue, out of his wickedness he begins to slander. The abject envious wretch will slander the virtuous man when absent, but when brought face to face his loquacious tongue becomes dumb.
He will deal harshly by a stranger who has not been himself often a traveller or stranger.
To use the hands in making quicklime into mortar is better than to cross them on the breast in attendance on a prince.
Now that another is suffering pain at thy hand, trust not that thy heart shall be exempt from affliction.
It is safer to be silent than to reveal one’s secret to any one, and telling him not to mention it.
To tell a falsehood is like the cut of a saber: for though the wound may heal, the scar of it will remain.
Though someday we may become as eloquent as Sahban, but we might also miss the essence of the Forgiving One.
I have often found a small stream at its fountain-head, that, when followed up, carried away the camel with his load.
That knave preserves the pearl in his purse who considers all people purse-cuts.
I have never seen a man lost who was on a straight path.
A grateful dog is better than an ungrateful man.
Better hold the hand for coin, though small, Than lose, for one half a dang, it all.
Reveal not every secret you have to a friend, for how can you tell but that friend may hereafter become and enemy. And bring not all mischief you are able to upon an enemy, for he may one day become your friend.
The world is not a courtroom There is no judge no jury no plaintiff. This is a caravan filled with eccentric beings telling wondrous stories about God.
Whenever thy hand can reach it, tear out the foe’s brain, for such an opportunity washes anger from the mind.
People are crying up the rich and variegated plumage of the peacock, and he is himself blushing at the sight of his ugly feet.
Tell no one the secret that you want to keep, although he may be worthy of confidence; for no one will be so careful of your secret as yourself.
There is a difference between him who claspeth his mistress in his arms, and him whose eyes are fixed on the door expecting her.
Independence is of more value than any gifts; and to receive gifts is to lose it.
The sea does not contain all the pearls, the earth does not enclose all the treasures, and the flint-stone does not inclose all the diamonds, since the head of man encloses wisdom.