నిధి అబద్ధం, బుద్ధి నిబద్ధం

nidhi abaddham, buddhi nibaddham

Translation

Wealth is an illusion; character is the reality.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that material wealth (nidhi) is temporary and can be deceptive or easily lost, whereas one's character, wisdom, or intellect (buddhi) is the only true, steadfast, and reliable asset. It is used to remind people to prioritize moral values and knowledge over the pursuit of riches.

Related Phrases

A woman's lie is as solid as a built wall.

This proverb is used to describe a lie that is so well-constructed, firm, and convincing that it is difficult to break or find faults in. It suggests that once a clever lie is 'built' like a wall, it stands strong and hides the truth effectively.

Even if you tell a lie, it should be like building a wall.

This proverb suggests that if one must lie, the lie should be consistent, firm, and believable, much like a well-constructed wall. It is used to point out that a person's deception is poorly structured or easily seen through due to inconsistencies.

Words spoken and water entered in a field do not leave easily.

This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words. Once water enters a tilled field (madi), it is absorbed and stays; similarly, once an accusation or a commitment is made publicly, it cannot be easily taken back or erased. It is used to advise caution in speech because reputations are hard to mend once a 'word' is cast upon someone.

The journey was a sham, but eating ( the provisions pre- pared ) was a reality.

This expression is used to describe someone who makes excuses to avoid leaving or starting a task until they have eaten. It highlights people who prioritize food over their responsibilities or scheduled departures, often lingering for a meal while claiming they are about to leave.

A woman's sense is wrong sense.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to suggest that women think differently or more deeply than men, often implying that they come up with clever solutions later or have a unique perspective that isn't immediately obvious. While historically sometimes used dismissively, it is also used to acknowledge a woman's intuitive or strategic thinking.

Lit. in the back of the head.

If you do tell a lie, let it be like a wall.

This proverb suggests that if one must lie, the lie should be consistent, firm, and believable, much like a solid wall. It is used to point out that a person's deception should at least be logically sound or well-constructed to be effective, or to criticize someone whose lies are easily seen through due to inconsistency.

Is there a lie unknown to the heart ?

This expression means that while one can lie to the world, it is impossible to deceive one's own conscience. Every individual is internally aware of the truth regardless of the falsehoods they speak outwardly. It is often used to emphasize self-accountability and the fact that one cannot hide from their own thoughts.

His employment is the worship of Śiva, but his words are lies.

This proverb describes a person who pretends to be very religious, pious, or moral on the outside while engaging in dishonest or deceitful behavior in reality. It is used to point out hypocrisy and the contrast between a person's outward show of devotion and their actual character.

A hypocrite. Much praying, but no piety. Beads about the neck and the devil in the heart. ఛ.

To hide one lie a thousand lies are wanted. One lie makes many. One lie draws ten after it. [Iralan.]

This proverb highlights the compounding nature of dishonesty. Once a person tells a single lie, they are often forced to create a complex web of additional falsehoods to maintain the original deception and prevent it from being discovered.

No meaning can be given to erroneous expressions. Applied to discrepancies in a statement.

This expression is used to state that lies are baseless, lack substance, or have no logical grounding. It implies that falsehoods do not carry any real value or significance in the long run.