كِبْره كِبْر نَخْلَة وعقْله عَقَل سخْلة

“His stature is that of a date-palm, yet his reasoning is that of a young goat.”

Physical size or age does not guarantee maturity or good judgment.

كلام الوطا أحسن من العطا

“Humble words are better than a gift.”

A kind, gentle word can mean more to a person than material charity.

كلٌ بِعَقْله راضي وعمّا ماله لا

“Everyone is content with his own intelligence, but never with his own wealth.”

People rarely feel they lack wisdom, yet almost always feel they lack money.

كلٌ يَمْدَح سوقاً رُبُح فيه

“Everyone praises the market where he made his profit.”

People judge things by whether they personally benefited, not by fair merit.

أخذت احسانك بلسانك

“You took back your own kindness with your own tongue.”

An unkind word can undo the good of a generous deed.

أخ ما ولدته أمك

“A brother your own mother did not bear you.”

A true friend can become as close and loyal as a blood brother.