Proverbs From Around the World
Instructions: Read a wise saying from another culture and choose the everyday lesson it teaches, from Japanese and African to Spanish proverbs.
- 1.
The Japanese proverb "Fall seven times, stand up eight" teaches us to do what?
ANever give up, no matter how many times you failBAlways count carefully before you actCExercise keeps the body strongDPatience is better than rushing - 2.
An African proverb says: "It takes a village to raise a child." What does this mean?
AChildren should live in large townsBRaising children is best done by the whole community working togetherCSchools are more important than familiesDChildren learn best by traveling - 3.
The Spanish proverb "Tell me who you walk with, and I'll tell you who you are" warns us about what?
AThe importance of daily exerciseBHow your choice of friends shapes your characterCStrangers should be treated with cautionDWalking alone is safer than walking in groups - 4.
The Chinese proverb "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" encourages people to do what?
AAlways wear good shoes before travelingBPlan every detail before starting anythingCBegin a large task by simply taking the first small stepDTravel as far as possible while you are young - 5.
A Russian proverb says: "Trust, but verify." What is the main lesson here?
ANever trust anyone you have just metBIt is wise to have faith in others while still checking facts for yourselfCWritten documents are always more reliable than spoken wordsDGood fences make good neighbors - 6.
The Italian proverb "After the game, the king and the pawn go into the same box" is a reminder of what?
AChess is a game that everyone should learnBKings should treat their servants kindlyCIn the end, death makes all people equal regardless of rankDHard work always beats inherited wealth - 7.
An African proverb says: "However long the night, the dawn will break." What does this mean?
AMornings are the best time to get things doneBNo period of hardship or darkness lasts foreverCNight owls are wiser than early risersDTime passes more slowly when you are suffering - 8.
The Irish proverb "You'll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind" is a caution against what?
ASpending too much time farmingBOverthinking instead of taking actionCLetting someone else do your workDMaking decisions without enough information - 9.
A Turkish proverb states: "No matter how far you have gone on a wrong road, turn back." This advises us to do what?
AAlways carry a map when travelingBAvoid making any decision until you are certainCIt is never too late to correct a mistakeDSlow and steady travel is safer than rushing - 10.
The Russian proverb "There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out" promotes what value?
AFormal education is essential at every ageBCuriosity and the willingness to learnCExperts should always be consulted before decidingDAdmitting weakness earns respect from others - 11.
A Japanese proverb says: "The nail that sticks up gets hammered down." What does this warn about?
AHome repairs should never be delayedBPeople who stand out or challenge the group may face pressure to conformCLoud voices are rarely heard in polite societyDPride in craftsmanship leads to success - 12.
The Arabic proverb "The enemy of my enemy is my friend" describes what kind of situation?
AFriendship based on shared hobbies is the most lastingBTwo parties who dislike the same person may become alliesCIt is wise to forgive enemies before making new friendsDOld rivalries are harder to heal than new ones - 13.
A Swedish proverb says: "Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow." This proverb is about the value of what?
AKeeping a daily diary of your feelingsBSharing your experiences and emotions with othersCFinding a single trusted friend above all othersDCelebrating your achievements in public - 14.
The Greek proverb "You will break the bow if you keep it always bent" suggests what about life?
AStubbornness is a sign of inner strengthBAllowing yourself to rest and relax helps you last longerCA weapon kept sharp will always be readyDFlexibility in youth makes for a stronger old age - 15.
A Confucian saying from China states: "He who learns but does not think is lost; he who thinks but does not learn is in great danger." What balanced lesson does this teach?
AReading books is more important than attending schoolBTrue wisdom requires both studying knowledge and thinking critically about itCA teacher who cannot think clearly should not be trustedDDanger comes from knowing too much without acting