Sumerian proverbs

Marry a wife according to your choice.Have children to your heart's content.

— Sumerian proverbs

Girl, your brother cannot choose for you; whom do you choose?Girl, your brother is like me. A brother should let you live as would I.

— Sumerian proverbs

He who does not support a wife, he who does not support a child, has no cause for celebration.

— Sumerian proverbs

Marrying is human. Having children is divine.

— Sumerian proverbs

When I married a malicious husband, when I bore a malicious son, an unhappy heart was assigned to me.

— Sumerian proverbs

I visit it by day, I visit it at nightfall. I always stand by the lamentation drum!

— Sumerian proverbs

You should not alienate their rituals!You should not move the oxen from their places!

— Sumerian proverbs

Let me tell you about my fate: it is an insult. Let me explain it to you: it is a disgrace.I looked into the water. My destiny was drifting past. I was born on an ill-fated day.

— Sumerian proverbs

Fate is a dog, well able to bite.

— Sumerian proverbs

Fate is a raging storm blowing over the Land.

— Sumerian proverbs

He who knows how to move around becomes strong. He will live longer than the sedentary man.

— Sumerian proverbs

If a scribe knows only a single line but his handwriting is good, he is indeed a scribe!

— Sumerian proverbs

If a singer knows only one song but makes the sound pleasant, he is indeed a singer! [...] When a singer's voice is sweet, he is indeed a singer.

— Sumerian proverbs

What kind of a scribe is a scribe who does not know Sumerian?

— Sumerian proverbs

The scribe trained in counting is deficient on clay. The scribe skilled with clay is deficient in counting.

— Sumerian proverbs

A chattering scribe's guilt is great.

— Sumerian proverbs

A scribe who does not know how to grasp the meaning -- from where will he produce a translation?

— Sumerian proverbs

The fox lies even to Enlil.

— Sumerian proverbs

The fox, having urinated into the sea, said: "The whole of the sea is my urine!"

— Sumerian proverbs

Tell a lie and then tell the truth: it will be considered a lie.

— Sumerian proverbs

For a donkey there is no stench. For a donkey there is no washing with soap.

— Sumerian proverbs

One does not marry a three-year-old wife, as a donkey does.

— Sumerian proverbs

Furrows are pleasant to a threshing ox.

— Sumerian proverbs

Once I had escaped the wild bull, the wild cow confronted me.

— Sumerian proverbs

May the city build like me! May the Land live like me!

— Sumerian proverbs

One should not remove what belongs to my mistress Inana.

— Sumerian proverbs

Scowling dogs belong to the shameless man.

— Sumerian proverbs

The good thing is to find it; the bad thing is to lose it.

— Sumerian proverbs

For his pleasure he got married. On his thinking it over he got divorced.

— Sumerian proverbs

Their pleasure, their discomfort. Their discomfort, their pleasure.

— Sumerian proverbs

He who shaves his head acquires ever more hair.

— Sumerian proverbs

He who destroys houses destroys silver. He who destroys a house destroys gold.

— Sumerian proverbs

Let there be unused land adjacent to a house.

— Sumerian proverbs

Hand added to hand, and a man's house is built up.

— Sumerian proverbs

, a bird flying around is your share.

— Sumerian proverbs

The wood pigeon's voice is the glory of the garden.The francolin's voice is the glory of the fields.

— Sumerian proverbs

Offerings are the glory of the gods.

— Sumerian proverbs

"I will go today" is what a herdsman says;\xa0I will go tomorrow\xa0is what a shepherd-boy says.\xa0I will go\xa0is\xa0I will go, and the time passes.

— Sumerian proverbs

While you still have light, grind the flour.

— Sumerian proverbs

To eat modestly doesn't kill a man, but to covet will murder you. To eat a little is to live splendidly.

— Sumerian proverbs

There are bitter tears in human flesh.

— Sumerian proverbs

A hand will stretch out towards an outstretched hand. A hand will open for an opened hand.

— Sumerian proverbs

When the sun is setting outside so that you cannot even recognise the hand in front of you, go indoors!

— Sumerian proverbs

Weighing scales made with sinews are a trap made for the feet; a man should not take a merchant for his friend.

— Sumerian proverbs

Nanni cherished his old age. [...] He captured , but [...] he never saw mighty kingship. Thus Nanni was carried off to the nether world.

— Sumerian proverbs

Nanni cherished his old age: "I am what an old man should be."

— Sumerian proverbs

One cannot drag out the weak, one cannot hold back the strong.

— Sumerian proverbs

Ickur splits the mountains, yet he does not split the waterskin.

— Sumerian proverbs

As the sun rises, decisions are made. By the time the sun is up, kingship is conferred.

— Sumerian proverbs

The battle-club would not find out your name -- it would just find your flesh.

— Sumerian proverbs

Our own odour is of pulled-up turnips -- sweet things are brought by strangers.

— Sumerian proverbs

Enlil's temple is a summation of accounts. The temple manager is its overseer.

— Sumerian proverbs

Enlil's greatest punishment is hunger.

— Sumerian proverbs

You speak with me and I speak with you.

— Sumerian proverbs

The fool is garrulous.

— Sumerian proverbs

Where there is no grain, this is a sign of vengeance turned towards a city. Where there are no reeds, it is the worst of all poverty.

— Sumerian proverbs

Something offered is not offered. Something finished is not finished. Nothing changes.

— Sumerian proverbs

When a man comes forward as a witness, saying: "Let me tell you what I know about him", but does not know the relevant information, it is an abomination to Suen.

— Sumerian proverbs

Flies enter an open mouth.

— Sumerian proverbs

Offerings create life.

— Sumerian proverbs

Punishment is assigned for the swaggerer; he is afflicted with diseases.

— Sumerian proverbs

May Inana pour oil on my heart that aches.

— Sumerian proverbs

If it is too sweet for him, let him eat salt. If it is not too sweet for him, let him eat .

— Sumerian proverbs

Before the fire has gone out, write your exercise tablet!

— Sumerian proverbs

A man's personal god is a shepherd who finds pasturage for the man. Let him lead him like sheep to the food they can eat.

— Sumerian proverbs

As long as the boasters haven't departed, their mouths make me uneasy.

— Sumerian proverbs

The heavens were destroyed, the earth was shaken. After the heavens were destroyed and the earth was shaken, the people were still standing there on their own.

— Sumerian proverbs

He who entered -- his lips are sealed.He who has to live in Elam -- his life is not good.

— Sumerian proverbs

He who keeps fleeing, flees from his own past.

— Sumerian proverbs

Between the basket and the boat are the fields of Simurrum.

— Sumerian proverbs

Whether it is roasted or not, you should sprinkle the grain.

— Sumerian proverbs

In g, built in abundance, the monkey sits with longing eyes in the singer's house.

— Sumerian proverbs

Let me drink beer shandy and sit in the seat of honour!

— Sumerian proverbs

A good word is a friend to numerous men.

— Sumerian proverbs

Putting unwashed hands to one's mouth is disgusting.

— Sumerian proverbs

May a clever farmer live at home with you.

— Sumerian proverbs

My drink is a river. The place where I sleep is a place of reed mats.

— Sumerian proverbs

The sun never leaves my heart, which surpasses a garden.

— Sumerian proverbs

If the sieve is not shaken, his flour will not drop from it.

— Sumerian proverbs

Coveting and spying are abominations to Ninurta.

— Sumerian proverbs

When present, it was considered a loincloth; when lost, it is considered fine clothing.

— Sumerian proverbs

If the leader is being devoured by a fire, those behind him don't say: "Where is the leader?"

— Sumerian proverbs

When righteousness is cut off, injustice is increased.

— Sumerian proverbs

What is placed in the fire has a valuable role to play but leaves nothing behind when it's gone.

— Sumerian proverbs

The is a satisfying wind; the is harmful to man. The is a rain-bearing wind; the is greater than those who live there. The east wind is a wind of prosperity, the friend of Naram-Suen.

— Sumerian proverbs

He could not overcome his fears, so he cut off what was fuelling them.

— Sumerian proverbs

O lion, your allies in the reedbeds are numerous.

— Sumerian proverbs

The lion who lives a life of compassion will receive it.

— Sumerian proverbs

If a dog snarls, throw a morsel into his mouth.

— Sumerian proverbs

The dog has been taught to pay attention; as long as he pays attention, he may escape his chain.

— Sumerian proverbs

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.

— Sumerian proverbs

Conceived by no father, conceived by no mother, the reed came out of the breast of the storm.

— Sumerian proverbs

A pig which was about to be slaughtered by the pig-butcher squealed. (The butcher said:) "Your ancestors and forebears walked this road, and now you too are walking it, so why are you squealing?

— Sumerian proverbs

A man raising his hand in anger does not see clearly.

— Sumerian proverbs

A fox demanded of Enlil the horns of a wild bull. While it was wearing the wild bull's horns, it started to rain. But the horns rose high above him, so he could not enter his burrow. Until midnight the wind kept blowing, and the clouds brought rain. Afterwards, when it had stopped raining on him, and he had dried off, he said: "I shall return this feature to its rightful owner!"

— Sumerian proverbs

Whatever the man in authority said, it was not pleasant.Whatever the man in authority said, it was not right.

— Sumerian proverbs

The mighty man is master of the earth.

— Sumerian proverbs

The strength of my god completes my own.

— Sumerian proverbs

Ignoramuses are numerous in the palace.

— Sumerian proverbs

He who knows but does not speak is a fool.

— Sumerian proverbs

Oh Utu, you are my judge: pronounce my judgement! You are my decision-maker, decide my case! The dream that I have seen -- turn it into a favourable one! Let me walk straight, so that I can catch up with my companion!

— Sumerian proverbs

Who can compare with humility? -- It is set in goodness.

— Sumerian proverbs

He spoke but did not keep his word. He keeps speaking but shies away from his responsibilities.

— Sumerian proverbs

From the river, oh Inana, let my man eat.

— Sumerian proverbs

A palace will fall of its own accord.

— Sumerian proverbs

Oh whirlwind, I dispatched you towards Agade. What did you accomplish in Agade? The dream was favourable!

— Sumerian proverbs

To take revenge is the of Ninurta.

— Sumerian proverbs

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.

— Sumerian proverbs

Those who live near the water look into the mountains. They don't look in their own direction.

— Sumerian proverbs

A loving heart builds houses. A hating heart destroys houses.

— Sumerian proverbs

A man who behaves like a damp reed towards his fellow men does not tell the truth either.

— Sumerian proverbs

The man whose knees are paralysed has not prayed devoutly to Nintud.

— Sumerian proverbs

Even a will float in the river for a righteous man.

— Sumerian proverbs

The owner of a house should reinforce the windows against burglars.

— Sumerian proverbs

A crafty man does not transgress against his mother.

— Sumerian proverbs

You subject yourself to rules -- as a thief does.

— Sumerian proverbs

A house of debt is a house in whose interior no light shines.

— Sumerian proverbs

The dishonest man stole silver; the honest man will earn his pay.

— Sumerian proverbs

When dishonest men come to your banquet, they are troubled and try to hide it.

— Sumerian proverbs

Let the favour be repaid to him who repays a favour.

— Sumerian proverbs

The temple E-babbar, which Me-silim had built, was destroyed by Nanni, whose posterity had been cut off.

— Sumerian proverbs

Utu is lord; you should fix your gaze on him.

— Sumerian proverbs

The well-wisher is the mother of the refugee.

— Sumerian proverbs

May the people wish you well. May your god grant what you are in agreement with.

— Sumerian proverbs

You shouldn't give a lame man a staff. Enlil is his helper.

— Sumerian proverbs

Let the herdsman whip the ox. Let the shepherd slaughter the sheep. Where there is no toughness, no man can go about his business.

— Sumerian proverbs

After becoming a thief, one becomes an outcast.

— Sumerian proverbs

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.

— Sumerian proverbs

The poor man does not strike his son a single blow; he treasures him highly forever.

— Sumerian proverbs

The idleness of a low-life causes losses; his shying away from work is perpetual.

— Sumerian proverbs

Your worthiness is the result of chance.

— Sumerian proverbs

Whenever there is excess, an axe remedies it!

— Sumerian proverbs

The chasing away of a younger son from the house of his father is an abomination to Ninurta.

— Sumerian proverbs

A dishonest man chases after women's genitals.

— Sumerian proverbs

No one walks together with him or directs their steps towards him. Life passes him by like water. He is dear to no just man, plague prevails over him. Like a worthless penny. [...] He is clothed with a garment as if a heavy punishment were assigned to him. Who is he? His name? A man sleeping with someone's wife.

— Sumerian proverbs

Good is in the hands. Evil is also in the hands.

— Sumerian proverbs

The heart does not let go of the good. [...] As if it were a fertile spot, the heart does not abandon the good.

— Sumerian proverbs

Accept your lot and make your mother happy! Run fast and make your god happy!

— Sumerian proverbs

Whatever I say, I will say it twice, and then I will repeat it again.

— Sumerian proverbs

The liar is quarrelsome. He always lies. He always slanders. Treacherous! Malicious! Shifty-eyed!

— Sumerian proverbs

Utu's glance is prayerful. Utu's heart is compassionate. A devotee of Utu is among the holy. Allotted by Utu to be fortunate, a [...] ship reaches the quay.

— Sumerian proverbs

Although the number of unhappy days is endless, yet life is better than death.

— Sumerian proverbs

To take revenge is an abomination to Ninurta.

— Sumerian proverbs

When a trustworthy boat sets sail, Utu seeks out a trustworthy harbour for it.

— Sumerian proverbs

To remove something from its proper place is an abomination to Ninurta.

— Sumerian proverbs

Fear of god creates good fortune. Lamentation absolves sin. Offerings extend life.

— Sumerian proverbs

The rich man's heart is sick, it is very sick indeed.

— Sumerian proverbs

A stake, my lord; "hero" is its name.

— Sumerian proverbs

If a man does not treasure his god, that man will not be buried. His heir will not provide him with water libations.

— Sumerian proverbs

He who despises a just decision, who loves wicked decisions, is an abomination to Utu.

— Sumerian proverbs

A judge who despises justice, cursing with the right hand, and the chasing away of a younger son from the house of his father are abominations to Ninurta.

— Sumerian proverbs

Thanks to the word of his personal god, the fate of the man who speaks just words is favourable, and he is with him throughout the day.

— Sumerian proverbs

My king, the lord perfect in heaven, built a house in the barren marshes.

— Sumerian proverbs

The god of the river ordeal will admire the hearts of those who bear words of truth.

— Sumerian proverbs

May Lumma grant prosperity to him who performs good deeds.

— Sumerian proverbs

The voice of the forest kujanun bird is the glory of the tamarisks.

— Sumerian proverbs

The voice of the duck is the glory of the marshes.

— Sumerian proverbs

A clown made fun of the city. They made fun of him and he wept.

— Sumerian proverbs

Do not be hostile to the weakling; do not cry for the strong one.

— Sumerian proverbs

I prostrate myself for the sake of Gula, my lady, but in my own eyes I don't have a place to stand.

— Sumerian proverbs

Talking endlessly is what humankind has most on its mind.

— Sumerian proverbs

Your role in life is unknown.

— Sumerian proverbs

The voice of the frog is the glory of the marsh waters.

— Sumerian proverbs

Let him who has a household go to his household! Let him who has a household and a mother go to his mother!

— Sumerian proverbs

Loving and comforting are vitality.

— Sumerian proverbs

Who can compare with justice? It creates life.

— Sumerian proverbs

Whenever wickedness may cause trouble, Utu will not be idle!

— Sumerian proverbs

He who has nothing cannot let go of anything.

— Sumerian proverbs

To be wealthy and demand more is an abomination to a god.

— Sumerian proverbs

A plant sweeter than a husband, a plant sweeter than a child: may Ezina-Kusu dwell in your house.

— Sumerian proverbs

That which matches my tears hurts my heart alike.

— Sumerian proverbs

When liars enter by the city gate, in front of them there is a finger pointing at them, behind them there is a finger pointing at them.

— Sumerian proverbs

The palace is a forest, and the king is a lion.

— Sumerian proverbs

Strength cannot keep pace with intelligence.

— Sumerian proverbs

Utu, the lord who loves justice, extirpates wickedness and prolongs righteousness.

— Sumerian proverbs

When battle approaches, when war arises, the plans of the gods, beloved by the gods, are destroyed.

— Sumerian proverbs

A man without a personal god does not procure much food, does not procure even a little food. Going down to the river, he does not catch any fish. Going down to a field, he does not catch any gazelle. In important matters he is unsuccessful. When running, he does not reach his goal. Yet were his god favourable toward him, anything he might name would be provided for him.

— Sumerian proverbs

One should pay attention to an old man's words. One should submit oneself to his protection.

— Sumerian proverbs

A child should behave with modesty toward his mother. He should take the older generation into consideration.

— Sumerian proverbs

A younger brother should honour an older brother. He should treat him with human dignity.

— Sumerian proverbs

A man's intelligence comes from god.

— Sumerian proverbs

A man who does not value his god is thrown out in the desert; his body is not buried and his heir does not provide his ghost with drinking water through a libation pipe.

— Sumerian proverbs

Pleasure is created. Sins are absolved. Life is rejuvenated.

— Sumerian proverbs

Let just men be born in good health, and let their lives last long.

— Sumerian proverbs

By following craftiness, one learns how to be crafty. By following wisdom, one learns how to be wise.

— Sumerian proverbs

To the trustworthy man belongs a divine voice. The barge on the river and the chariot on the road come to him.

— Sumerian proverbs

Who can compete with righteousness? It creates life.

— Sumerian proverbs

You should not cut the throat of that which has already had its throat cut.

— Sumerian proverbs

What has submitted will exhibit resistance.

— Sumerian proverbs

Wealth is far away, poverty is close at hand.

— Sumerian proverbs

He who possesses many things is constantly on guard.

— Sumerian proverbs

Possessions are flying birds -- they never find a place to settle.

— Sumerian proverbs

Don't pick things now; they will bear fruit later.

— Sumerian proverbs

The songs of a city are its diviners.

— Sumerian proverbs

Things may be traded in the city but it is the fisherman who brings in the food supply.

— Sumerian proverbs

He hurled his insult. He laid his curse.To accept a verdict is possible. To accept a curse is impossible.

— Sumerian proverbs

What comes out from the heart of the tree is known by the heart of the tree.

— Sumerian proverbs

A heart never created hatred; speech created hatred.

— Sumerian proverbs

A plant as sweet as a husband does not grow in the steppe.

— Sumerian proverbs