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

Material wealth is fleeting and never permanently settles with anyone.

— 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

“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)

“He who possesses many things is constantly on guard.”

Great possessions bring constant worry and vigilance rather than peace.

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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