Witty and Wise Chinese Proverbs

Here is a delightful collection of Chinese proverbs which gives us a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Chinese people. Their wise sayings are drawn from experience of their daily lives, observation on subjects ranging from friendship to common sense and folk wisdom. The value of Chinese proverbs has increased with the passing of the ages because they ring as true today as they were thousands of years ago.

• A single spark can set a prairie on fire.
• Water can both sustain and sink a ship.
• Count not what is lost, but what is left.
• If there is a strong general there will be no weak soldiers.
• To extend your life by a year take one less bite each meal.
• Peace only comes when reason rules.
• Even the tallest tower started form the ground.
• Eloquence provides only persuasion, but truth buys loyalty.
• Wisdom is attained by learning when to hold one's tongue.
• A single tree cannot make a forest

• If one eats less one will taste more.
• One hand alone cannot clap, it takes two to quarrel.
• It does not matter if the cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice.
• Cowards have dreams, brave men have visions
• Learning is like the horizon; there is no limit.
• The old horse will know the way
• A good friend shields you from the storm
• Change the skin, wash the heart
• Sow melon, reap melon; sow beans, reap beans.

• One sings, all follow.

• Fortune has a fickle heart and a short memory.
• Harsh words and poor reasoning never settle anything.
• Dangerous enemies will meet again in narrow streets.
• Better to bend in the wind than to break.
• Do not kill the hen for her eggs.
• First attain skill; creativity comes later.
• Make the cap fit the head.
• A single beam cannot support a great house.
• Do not be concerned with things outside your door.
• Wise men may not be learned; learned men may not be wise.

• Crows are black the world over.
• Do not lift a rock only to drop it on your own foot
• Kill the chicken to frigthen the monkey
• Wait long, strike fast.
• Do not wait until you're thirsty to dig a well
• One who would pick the roses must bear with thorns
• Failure is the mother of success.
• Do not climb a tree to look for a fish
• Only time and effort brings proficiency
• Distance tests the endurance of a horse; time reveals a man's character.