Sumerian Proverbs - page 3

If the leader is being devoured by a fire, those behind him don't say: "Where is the leader?" (Sumerian Proverb)
What is placed in the fire has a valuable role to play but leaves nothing behind when it's gone. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
The north wind is a satisfying wind; the south wind is harmful to man. The east wind is a rain-bearing wind; the west wind is greater than those who live there. The east wind is a wind of prosperity, the friend of Naram-Suen. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
The lion who lives a life of compassion will receive it. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
He said: "Woe!" and the boat sank with him. He said: "Alas!" and the rudder broke. The young man said: "Ah god!" and the boat reached its destination. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
Conceived by no father, conceived by no mother, the reed came out of the breast of the storm. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
A man raising his hand in anger does not see clearly. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
Whatever the man in authority said, it was not pleasant. Whatever the man in authority said, it was not right. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
The mighty man is master of the earth. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
He who knows but does not speak is a fool. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
He spoke but did not keep his word. He keeps speaking but shies away from his responsibilities. (Sumerian Proverb)
From the river, oh Inana, let my man eat. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
Oh whirlwind, I dispatched you towards Agade. What did you accomplish in Agade? The dream was favourable! View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
That my friend should be well is our wish, and that our enemies should be gone! May those friendly to you reach their goal as a ship does a friendly harbour! May your enemy, like the flood waters of a river, return to his city. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
Those who live near the water look into the mountains. They don't look in their own direction. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
The man whose knees are paralysed has not prayed devoutly to Nintud. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
A crafty man does not transgress against his mother. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
You subject yourself to rules -- as a thief does. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
The dishonest man stole silver; the honest man will earn his pay. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
Let the favour be repaid to him who repays a favour. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
The temple E-babbar, which Me-silim had built, was destroyed by Nanni, whose posterity had been cut off. (Sumerian Proverb)
May the people wish you well. May your god grant what you are in agreement with. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
After becoming a thief, one becomes an outcast. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
No one is tall enough to reach up and touch the heavens. No one is broad enough to lift his gaze over the whole earth. [...] But you, who roar like a storm -- may you establish yourself like a lion. [...] No man can bring about your demise. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb
The idleness of a low-life causes losses; his shying away from work is perpetual. View proverb
Sumerian Proverb