The Unending Wisdom of the Irish Proverb

A wise saying, normally of an unknown origin, that expresses a commonplace truth is called a proverb, according to the Random House dictionary. For centuries the popular wisdom of the Irish people has been expressed through proverbs. The traditional sayings of ancient Irish wisdom are remarkable because of their truth and the shrewd observations that are made. Proverbs contain a code of morals or manners that may have never have been written down, but in being passed down by word of mouth for generations, they have instilled in their speakers certain knowledge.

Common sense in the form of these proverbs is still applicable for the crises of today's world. Wit and wisdom of the ancients has been handed down from parent to child in the form of proverbs such as the ones that follow.

True greatness knows gentleness.

When wrathful words arise a closed mouth is soothing.

A silent mouth is musical.

A constant guest is never welcome.

Blind should be the eyes in the abode of another.

Neither praise nor dispraise thyself; the well bred are always modest.

Gentleness is better than haughtiness.

The peacemaker is never in the way.

Forsake not the friend of many years for the acquaintance of the day.

Praise youth and it will advance to success.

Reputation is more enduring than life.

Wine is pleasant, unpleasant the price.

Character is better than wealth.

If the head cannot bear the glory of the crown, better to be without it.

Without money fame is dead.

Conversation is the cure of every sorrow. Even contention is better than loneliness.

The tree remains, but not the hand that planted it.

A heavy purse makes a light heart.

The beginning of a ship is a board; of a kiln, a stone; of a king's reign, salutation; and the beginning of health is sleep.

Have sense, patience, and self-restraint and no mischief will come.

There is no joy without affliction.

A foot at rest meets nothing.

Falling is easier than rising.

Virtue is everlasting wealth.

Wisdom excels all riches.

An empty vessel has the greatest sound.

God never closed one gap but he opened another.

In slender currents comes good luck; in rolling torrents comes misfortune.

A misty winter brings a pleasant spring; a pleasant winter a misty spring.

Red in the south means rain and cold.

Red in the east is a sign of frost.

Red in the north rain and wind.

Red in the west sunshine and thaw.

These sayings are timeless. When facing a dilemma these proverbs can often provide a common sense solution to a problem that may have seemed unsolvable before, even in the complex society within which we reside today.