4 Arabic Proverbs to Reflect Upon

Proverbs always leave us with some kind of lesson or reflection that is worth analyzing in detail. This time around we bring you some Arabic proverbs that we have adopted as part of our lives.

Whether because of the importance of culture in history or because they simply provide a great lesson, they are worth paying attention to. Take note of them and do not forget these Arabic proverbs in your everyday life.

1. “Do not talk if what you are going to say is not more beautiful than silence.”

This is my favorite of all of the Arabic proverbs I’ve heard, and it simply implies that the number of times we feel regret after saying something is immense. You do not even need to have the latent desire to hurt the other person. Many times you say a comment that is unkind or pretty harsh that has simply not passed the filter of our heart.

Every comment we make must pass through the filter of our heart, which will tell you if it is an emotionally useful message for whoever is listening. Even, sometimes, by passing every word we say through the filter in our head we will discover if it makes sense or not. Although keeping grudges is not healthy, neither is going around saying things that will hurt others.

2. “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”

This Arabic proverb is one that I try to remember at all times, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. It is true that in relationships there is no rule book or guidelines to follow, and every couple must make their own decisions. But if you’ve been a victim of infidelity by your partner and you keep forgiving and accepting them back again and again, you can no longer blame them.

The message we send when we forgive infidelity after infidelity is that you, whether you are male or female, do not value yourself. If you’re not able to see what you’re worth and give yourself your due place in life, how do you expect someone else do it?

I’m not saying you should never forgive this act, because it is also necessary to move forward. But I do think we should learn to set limits. When the other person shows you disrespect, it is best to let them go so they may seek what they need without harming you any further.

3. “A man who doesn’t know how to smile should not open up shop.”

I am a true believer of following your dreams and goals, and I think this is one of the Arabic proverbs that best describes this. What this proverb means is that you should always do what draws a smile across your face.

Your everyday will always be more bearable when you are doing things you love. Of course you will encounter problems and challenges, including tasks you do not like doing at all. But overcoming all of this is easier when you love your main activity.

There is nothing worse than dealing with people that have a scowl on their face and treat people poorly all day long. Do not become one of them.

4. “Punish those who envy you by being good to them.”

At some point in life we all have to deal with people who are more than willing to make us feel bad. The vast majority of the time it is because they envy you in some way and are trying to sabotage you emotionally.

You may be tempted to give into your anger and do the same thing. The last of these Arabic proverbs reminds us of something that is very true: the worst punishment for these people is for you to behave well towards them. It is not about being hypocritical and treating them as if they were your best friends.

Simple kindness can often hurt them more than anything else. If you are now dealing with this kind of toxic person and have tried to avoid them unsuccessfully, try kindness. You will see that they will disappear from your life so fast that you will not even notice it. And, hey, I’m talking about being kind and cordial, not putting yourself at their disposal for every little thing. If they ask you for something that you do not want to or cannot do, simply say “no”.

I am sure that these Arabic proverbs will be useful to you when it comes time to face the challenges of your everyday life. You probably already knew them, but you may not apply them to your life because you simply forget them. Pay closer attention to them and reflect upon each one.