Maldives — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Kanve nan nuviyas, kan nuve nan nuvaasheve.

“Don't claim the name without earning the deed.”

True character comes from doing what is right, not from claiming credit for it.

Vagakah haas dhuvaheve. Veriyakah eh dhuvaheve.

“A thousand days for a thief, but the truth needs only one.”

Wrongdoing can be hidden for a long time, but it only takes a single day for it to be uncovered.

Lafaa odiah isnuvaasheve. Dhuvaa odiah fas nuvaasheve.

“Don't rush when the boat arrives; don't delay when it departs.”

Take opportunities as they come, and do not linger when it is time to move on.

Isheennaane galeh nubalaa udhussai nugannaasheve.

“Don't fly away before scoping a place to land on.”

Plan ahead before you act; do not leap into something without knowing where it will take you.

Fooneh fayah fen nufuraasheve.

“Don't pour water into a bottomless vessel.”

Do not waste effort or resources on a cause that can never be satisfied or filled.

Kaandhey athugai dhai nugannaasheve.

“Don't bite the hand that feeds you.”

Do not betray or cause harm to those who support and provide for you.

Thimaa feyhunu iloshigandu hereynee thimaage lolasheve.

“The ekel you sharpened will poke your own eye.”

Harm you prepare for others can just as easily turn around and hurt you instead.

Dheymeeha dhinas kaa meeha kaanvaanee balaigenneve.

“Even when someone offers it, the one who eats should first consider it well.”

Be discerning about what you accept, even when it is freely given — generosity still deserves careful judgment.