كل حد يجر النار لخبزه.
“Each one brings the fire closest to his own bread.”
People naturally look after their own interests first.
— Traditional Libya Wisdom, Libya
Source: Traditional Libya proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Libya
The absentee has his own justification.
Do not blame someone who is absent — they may have a reason you do not yet know.
Traditional Libya Wisdom
Read more →
Stretch your legs according to the length of your coverlet.
Live within your means; do not spend or want beyond what you actually have.
Traditional Libya Wisdom
Read more →
They sell the monkey and laugh at the one who bought it.
Describes dishonest dealers who profit by tricking a gullible buyer.
Traditional Libya Wisdom
Read more →
The flute player dies with his finger still shaking on the flute.
A lifelong passion or habit stays with a person until their very last moment.
Traditional Libya Wisdom
Read more →
If the sun starts to lean west, go and find yourself a shady tree.
Prepare ahead of time for changing circumstances instead of waiting for hardship to arrive.
Traditional Libya Wisdom
Read more →
Who would dare tell the lion that his breath stinks?
Fear of the powerful keeps people from speaking uncomfortable truths to them.
Traditional Libya Wisdom
Read more →