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

A reputation for dishonesty ruins even a later truthful statement.

— Traditional Iraq Wisdom, Iraq

Source: Sumerian proverb tablets (Old Babylonian period, c. 2000-1600 BC), ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq); translated in Bendt Alster, Proverbs of Ancient Sumer (1997)

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More Proverbs from Iraq

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

Material wealth is fleeting and never permanently settles with anyone.

Traditional Iraq Wisdom

Source: Sumerian proverb tablets (Old Babylonian period, c. 2000-1600 BC), ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq); translated in Bendt Alster, Proverbs of Ancient Sumer (1997)

“A man's personal god is a shepherd who finds pasturage for the man.”

A person's guardian deity watches over and provides for them, like a shepherd tending sheep.

Traditional Iraq Wisdom

Source: Sumerian proverb tablets (Old Babylonian period, c. 2000-1600 BC), ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq); translated in Bendt Alster, Proverbs of Ancient Sumer (1997)

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

Kindness shown to others, even the weak, is eventually returned in kind.

Traditional Iraq Wisdom

Source: Sumerian proverb tablets (Old Babylonian period, c. 2000-1600 BC), ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq); translated in Bendt Alster, Proverbs of Ancient Sumer (1997)

“That my friend should be well is our wish, and that our enemies should be gone!”

A simple wish for the wellbeing of friends and the downfall of enemies.

Traditional Iraq Wisdom

Source: Sumerian proverb tablets (Old Babylonian period, c. 2000-1600 BC), ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq); translated in Bendt Alster, Proverbs of Ancient Sumer (1997)

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

Love and cooperation build a household; hatred tears it apart.

Traditional Iraq Wisdom

Source: Sumerian proverb tablets (Old Babylonian period, c. 2000-1600 BC), ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq); translated in Bendt Alster, Proverbs of Ancient Sumer (1997)

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

The sun god Utu guides the honest and trustworthy safely to their destination.

Traditional Iraq Wisdom

Source: Sumerian proverb tablets (Old Babylonian period, c. 2000-1600 BC), ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq); translated in Bendt Alster, Proverbs of Ancient Sumer (1997)

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