Assyrian Proverbs

* Tell me your friends, and I’ll tell you who you are.

* Fear the goat from the front, the horse from the rear and man from all sides.

* Life is unbearable, but death is not so pleasant either.

* There is no shame in not knowing the shame lies in not finding out.

* It is not the horse that draws the cart, but the oats.

* A mere friend will agree with you, but a real friend will argue.

* The tallest blade of grass is the first to be cut by the scythe.

* He who doesn't risk never gets to drink wine.

* The hammer shatters glass but forges steel.

* Ask a lot, but take what is offered.

* Love and eggs are best when they are fresh.

* Gossip needs no carriage.

* If you are a host to your guest, be a host to his dog also.

* If you were born lucky, even your rooster will lay eggs.

* If the thunder is not loud, the peasant forgets to cross himself.

* The rich would have to eat money if the poor did not provide food.

* You can not write in the chimney with charcoal.

* I need not fear my enemies because the most they can do is attack me. I need not fear my friends because the most they can do is betray me. But I have much to fear from people who are indifferent.

* The Earth is degenerating today. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer obey their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching.