Motivational Sayings and Proverbs



The following is a collection of some of the greatest motivational sayings and proverbs in the history of our world. As you go through this list, think about what each one is saying. Study the proverb and think about how you can apply it to your life. It’s one thing to read and enjoy motivational sayings; it’s another thing entirely to make them worth something to you.

Enjoy these motivational sayings and proverbs, and then do something with them to make your life better!

Chinese Sayings and Proverbs

  • A smile will gain you ten more years of life.
  • A diamond with a flaw is worth more than a pebble without imperfections.
  • Dig the well before you are thirsty.
  • You can’t expect both ends of a sugarcane are as sweet.
  • A book holds a house of gold.
  • A fall in a ditch makes you wiser.
  • An inch of time is an inch of gold, but you can’t buy that inch of time with an inch of gold.
  • Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.
  • Only when all contribute their firewood can they build a strong fire.
  • A tiger never returns to his prey he did not finish off.
  • We are not so much concerned if you are slow as when you come to a halt.
  • You can’t catch a cub without going into the tiger’s den.
  • He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.

 

African Sayings and Proverbs

  • Do not try to fight a lion if you are not one yourself.
  • A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness.
  • Do good because of tomorrow.
  • You must judge a man by the work of his hands.
  • A barber does not shave himself.
  • Not to know is bad. Not to wish to know is worse.
  • A talkative bird will not make a nest.
  • The mouth which eats does not talk.
  • Before shooting, one must aim.
  • The Earth moves at different speeds depending on who you are.
  • Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped.
  • Knowledge is like a garden, if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested.
  • If a child washes his hands, he could eat with kings.


Arabic Sayings and Proverbs
  • Dwell not upon thy weariness, thy strength shall be according to the measure of thy desire.
  • A house divided cannot stand.
  • Leave evil, it will leave you.
  • The tongue of the ignorant is the key to his death.
  • A bite from a lion is better than the look of envy.
  • A change is as good as a rest.
  • Silence is the sign of approval.
  • Those who are far from the eye are far from the heart.
  • Examine what is said, not him who speaks.
  • Arrogance over the arrogant is modesty.
  • A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.
  • Blood can never turn into water.
  • If you have much, give of your wealth; If you have little, give of your heart.
  • A god-given beauty needs no beautician.
  • Envy is a weight not placed by its bearer.
  • A mosquito can make the lion’s eye bleed.
  • Show him death and he will be content with fever.
  • Every day of your life is a page of your history.
  • Blindness of the eye is better than blindness of the heart.
  • From the seed grows the tree.
  • One hand cannot clap.
  • If you are saved from the lion, do not be greedy and hunt it.
  • Plant each day and you will eat.