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
Answer Key
This beloved Japanese proverb encourages resilience — getting back up one more time than you fall is the secret to success. It is one of Japan's most famous life mottos.
This proverb, common across many African cultures, emphasizes that the entire community shares responsibility for nurturing and guiding children. It became widely known in English after Hillary Clinton used it as a book title in 1996.
This popular Spanish saying ("Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres") cautions that we are judged by the company we keep, and that friends strongly influence who we become.
This wisdom comes from the ancient philosopher Laozi's "Tao Te Ching." It reminds us that even the greatest achievements start with one small, decisive action.
This Russian saying ("Doveryai, no proveryai") became famous in English when President Ronald Reagan used it during arms-control talks with the Soviet Union in the 1980s. It strikes a balance between faith and caution.
This striking Italian proverb uses chess as a metaphor to teach that no matter how powerful or humble a person is during life, death is the great equalizer for us all.
This hopeful African proverb offers comfort during difficult times, assuring us that every period of trouble will eventually give way to better days — just as night always ends with sunrise.
This down-to-earth Irish saying reminds us that thinking and planning are no substitute for actually doing the work. It is a gentle push to stop hesitating and start doing.
This wise Turkish saying encourages people not to continue down a bad path just because they have already invested time in it. Admitting a mistake and changing course is always better than pressing on in the wrong direction.
This Russian saying encourages lifelong curiosity, telling us that ignorance is not a fault — but refusing to seek knowledge is. It is a warm invitation to keep asking questions.
This well-known Japanese proverb ("Deru kui wa utareru") reflects the cultural value placed on group harmony. It cautions that those who draw too much attention to themselves or go against the group may invite criticism.
This ancient saying, found in various forms across Arabic, Sanskrit, and other traditions, captures the idea that a shared opponent can create an unlikely alliance between two otherwise unrelated parties.
This beautiful Swedish saying highlights how human connection transforms our experiences — happiness grows when shared, and grief becomes lighter when we lean on others. It is a gentle reminder of why community matters.
Attributed to Aesop, this proverb uses the image of a bow that snaps if kept tightly strung to teach that rest and recovery are essential — a person who never relaxes will eventually wear out, just like a bow held taut will break.
This quote comes directly from the Analects of Confucius (c. 500 BCE). He taught that learning without reflection leads to confusion, while reflection without learning leads to dangerous overconfidence — both are needed together.