Thoughts—International	
QUICK CHECK:	
The following sayings are from nations around the world.  Can you figure out the meanings?
Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.  (African)
Money spent on the brain is never spent in vain.
(American)
A book is a garden carried in the pocket.  (Arabic)
He who doesn’t look ahead remains behind.
(Brazilian)
Without starting, you can arrive nowhere. (Chinese)
The lazy ox drinks dirty water.  (Columbian)
Listen to what they say of others and you will know 
what they say of you.  (Cuban)
He who builds according to every man’s advice will 
have a crooked house.  (Danish)
When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.  
(Ethiopian)
Joy and courage make a handsome face.  (French)
If you chase two rabbits, both will escape from you.  
(Greek)
One kind word can warm three winter months.  
(Japanese)
A contented heart is better than a full purse.
(Italian)
He gives little who gives much with a frown; he 
gives much who gives even little with a smile.  
(Hebrew)
A man who is always crying is not listened to.  
(Kenyan)
Not what you have, but what you are.  (Latin)	
1. American: What is never spent in vain?
2. Arabic: What is a book?
3. Cuban: How do you know what they say of 	
you?	
4. Danish: Who builds a crooked house?
5. French: What makes a handsome face?
6. Greek: What happens if you chase 2 rabbits?
7. Italian: What is better than a full purse?
8. Hebrew: How do you give much with little?
9. Kenyan: Who is not listened to?
10. Norwegian: Who lasts?
11. Rumanian: What is a lie?
12. Sudanese: What can kindness do?
13. Swedish: What does worry give?
14. a) Which quote do you like?  b) Why?
Going slowly does not prevent arriving.  (Nigerian)
He who laughs — lasts.  (Norwegian)
You can be rich though poor, and poor though rich.  
(Polish)
A lie is a bone which you throw into the mouth of 
another, but it chokes you.  (Rumanian)
Kindness can pluck the hairs of a lion’s mustache.  
(Sudanese)
Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.   
(Swedish)
Thoughts & Quotes