אם אין קמח אין תורה אם אין תורה אין קמח
“If there is no flour, there is no Torah; if there is no Torah, there is no flour.”
Material sustenance and spiritual/intellectual life depend on and support one another.
— Traditional Israel Wisdom, Israel
Source: Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah, Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 3:17, Mishnah, c. 200 CE
More Proverbs from Israel
If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?
Balance self-reliance with responsibility toward others, and never delay doing what is right.
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Who is wise? He who learns from every person.
True wisdom comes from remaining humble and open to learning from anyone.
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Who is rich? He who is happy with his portion.
Real wealth is contentment with what one already has.
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Who is mighty? He who conquers his own impulse.
The greatest strength is mastery over one's own desires and temper.
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Say little and do much.
Let deeds outweigh words; act more than you promise.
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In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.
Where no one takes responsibility or does what is right, step forward and lead.
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