Integrity

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks integrity and frequently changes their stance or promises. It specifically refers to people who are unreliable, fickle, or untrustworthy in their speech, much like an uncouth official who changes rules at his whim.

This expression is used to remind someone that even if their actions (good or bad) are hidden from the world or other people, they are always visible to the divine. It is often used to counsel honesty or to provide comfort that good deeds will eventually be rewarded by a higher power.

This proverb highlights that quality, status, or inherent value remains even during times of adversity or decline. It is used to describe a person who maintains their dignity, standards, or importance even after losing their wealth or power.

This proverb emphasizes that it is better to serve a noble or powerful person than to be intimately associated with someone of poor character or low status. It suggests that even a subordinate role under a virtuous or strong leader offers more dignity and security than a higher-ranking position with a base or wicked individual.

This proverb implies that the character, discipline, and efficiency of a person can be judged by the state of their immediate environment or the work they manage. Just as a clean house reflects a diligent homemaker, a person's surroundings are a mirror of their internal standards.

This proverb warns that if you treat your own family members or belongings with disrespect or negligence in public, others will feel entitled to treat them even more harshly. It emphasizes that the way you value your own sets the standard for how the world will treat them.

This expression is used to advise someone that even if they lack agility, cleverness, or high energy (Chalakiga), they must at least be firm, strong, and resilient (Salaki - meaning an iron rod or poker) in their character and stance. It emphasizes strength over style.

This expression originates from the Mahabharata, referring to Arjuna's feat of retrieving stolen cattle during the Virata Parva. It is used to describe a person who proves their true competence or heroism by successfully completing a difficult task or solving a crisis, rather than just talking about it.

This expression emphasizes that following the path of dharma (righteousness) will ultimately lead to success, and that placing faith in the divine is the ultimate path to salvation or protection. It is often used to encourage moral integrity and spiritual reliance during difficult times.

This expression refers to a story from the Mahabharata (Virata Parva) where Arjuna, in disguise, single-handedly defeats the Kaurava army to rescue the stolen cattle of King Virata. In modern usage, it is used to describe a person who steps up in a crisis, takes full responsibility, and successfully completes a difficult task that others could not.

This proverb emphasizes the permanence of spoken words. While a physical fall or slip can be recovered from, words spoken carelessly or hurtfully cannot be retracted once they are out. It is used as a caution to think carefully before speaking.

* Mieux vaut glisser du pied que de la langue. † Palabra y piedra suele no tiene vuelta.

This proverb advises discretion and humility. It suggests that one should not brag or announce their intentions before acting (to avoid failure or interference), nor should one blindly follow spoken advice without evaluation. It is often used to emphasize that actions should speak louder than words and that true success is achieved through silent hard work.

This expression emphasizes quality over quantity. It suggests that a small amount of something virtuous, noble, or useful is far superior to a large quantity of something worthless or inferior. It is often used to describe people's character or the value of work.

This expression highlights that business requires absolute focus and purity. Just as oil does not mix with water or other substances, business should not be mixed with personal emotions, friendships, or unrelated distractions if it is to succeed. It is used to advise professional detachment and discipline in commercial dealings.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an undeserving person who uses flattery or deceit receives high rewards and luxuries, while a loyal, hardworking, and honest person is neglected or given the bare minimum. It highlights the unfairness in how some leaders or masters treat their subordinates.

This expression emphasizes that the true value of a gift lies in the intention and willingness of the giver, rather than the material worth. It is used to suggest that anything given out of love and genuine interest is more significant than a forced or reluctant offering.

This expression emphasizes the extreme importance of integrity and keeping one's promises. In traditional contexts, it compares the loss of a person's reputation or honor (symbolized by broken promises) to the irreversible loss of virtue, suggesting that living without honor or credibility is a heavy burden.

This proverb is used to criticize people who lack a sense of shame or remorse. When such individuals are confronted with their mistakes or wrongdoings, they often try to brush it off with a smile or a laugh instead of feeling embarrassed. It suggests that for those without integrity, a fake smile is their only way to mask their flaws.

This is a popular proverb from Vemana Satakam emphasizing self-control. It means that an individual's inability to control their anger causes them more harm than any external enemy ever could. It is used to advise someone to stay calm and realize that outbursts of rage only lead to personal loss and damaged relationships.

This expression suggests that having a clear goal or focus in life naturally leads to discipline and good character. When one is dedicated to a specific purpose, their behavior and attributes align to achieve it.