الغايب عذره معاه.

“The absentee has his own justification.”

Do not blame someone who is absent — they may have a reason you do not yet know.

مد رجليك على قد غطاك.

“Stretch your legs according to the length of your coverlet.”

Live within your means; do not spend or want beyond what you actually have.

الزمّار يموت وصبعه يرفّ.

“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.

كل حد يجر النار لخبزه.

“Each one brings the fire closest to his own bread.”

People naturally look after their own interests first.

لو قوّست في العشي دوّر لك شجرة تقيّة.

“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.

من يقول للصيد فمّك ابخر؟

“Who would dare tell the lion that his breath stinks?”

Fear of the powerful keeps people from speaking uncomfortable truths to them.