Yiddish Proverbs

I love reading Yiddish proverbs. They're just so insightful into the nature of people.

The Jewish religion is one of the oldest religions on earth - and in fact many other religions are based off of their wonderful teachings.

The interpreted meanings are my own insights insights into what each particular saying means to me; you my find that these sayings provide a different meaning to you as you read them. That's okay. The idea is to garner inspirational wisdom that is meaningful to you.

Shalom! And enjoy!

Wisdom From Yiddish Proverbs

A fool says what he knows, and a wise man knows what he says.

Interpreted Meaning: Although you may hear something, repeating it doesn't make it true. A wise person will do more research and understand what he/she is saying before spreading possibly false information.

A man is not old until his regrets take the place of his dreams.

Interpreted Meaning: As long as you keep dreaming and experiencing life, you'll never feel old. But, once you start to regret all the things that you didn't do, then you begin to feel old because you have nothing left to dream about and accomplish. Always stay involved with life and you'll never "be" old!

Better ask ten times than go astray once.

Interpreted Meaning: Make sure you understand before going forward. It's harder to correct mistakes.

When one lives, one experiences.

Interpreted Meaning: The more you live life, the more experiences you gain and the wiser you become.

The girl who can't dance says the band can't play.

Interpreted Meaning: Don't blame others for your own shortcomings and fears.

What you don't see with your eyes, don't invent with your tongue.

Interpreted Meaning: Unless you've seen it and experienced it yourself, don't spreak gossip told to you by someone else. It may not be true.

If I would be like someone else, who would be like me?

Interpreted Meaning: Be yourself because there's no one else in the world like you. Stop trying to become someone that you're not.

The truly rich are those who enjoy what they have.

Interpreted Meaning: You're rich if you think you're rich. Be happy with what you have. Envy and desire for always wanting to obtain more only makes you feel unhappy and constantly feeling poor.

If you ever need a helping hand you'll find one at the end of your arm.

Interpreted Meaning: Stop looking at others to do things for you. You are capable of doing things for yourself.

Talking comes by nature, silence by wisdom

Interpreted Meaning: It's natural to want to talk, but when we talk, we don't hear and therefore, don't learn. Being silent and listening is how you gain a lot of insight into things.

I hope you have enjoyed this small collection of wise Yiddish proverbs and sayings. For more Jewish wisdom, have a look at our collection of Kabbalah Wisdom: Enlightening Quotations of Jewish Mysticism page too!

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