“I have never found a man so generous that he would refuse a gift, nor one so free with his wealth that repayment would displease him.”
Even the most generous people are glad to receive as well as give; generosity does not mean refusing kindness in return.
— Traditional Faroese Wisdom, Faroe Islands
Source: Havamal (Sayings of the High One), Poetic Edda, stanza circa 39 — Old Norse wisdom poem, part of the shared Norse heritage from which Faroese language and culture directly descend, public domain
More Proverbs from Faroe Islands
Cattle die, kinsmen die, and you yourself will die; but the good name of a man who has earned it never dies.
A person's reputation and honorable deeds outlive their physical life.
Fire is needed by the one who comes in chilled to the knee; food and dry clothes are needed by the man who has fared over the mountain.
Hospitality toward a weary traveler — warmth, food, and shelter — is a basic duty.
A man should be middle-wise, never overly clever; the fairest life is led by those who know a fitting amount.
Excessive cleverness brings restlessness; balanced, modest wisdom brings a calmer and happier life.
No better burden can a man carry on the road than much common sense; it is worth more than silver in a strange place.
Practical wisdom serves a traveler better than any wealth, especially far from home.
An unwise man who holds his tongue among strangers may pass for wise, for silence brings no man to shame.
Staying quiet in unfamiliar company can hide one's ignorance, while speaking too freely reveals it.
A gift always looks for a gift in return, and laughter is answered with laughter; friends should meet each other with open hands and open hearts.
Friendship is built on reciprocity — kindness, gifts, and warmth given should be returned in kind.