6_200503_Proverbs-Some Listeners' Favorite Sayings

Now, the VOASpecial English program, WORDS AND THEIR STORIES.

A proverb isa short, well known saying that expresses a common truth or belief. Manyproverbs give advice about the best way to live.

Recently, we presenteda program about proverbs. We asked our listeners to send us their favoriteproverbs. A short time later, we received suggestions from around the world. Weheard from listeners in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

The topproverb among these listeners is this one: "Where there is a will,there is a way." This means that you can rise above your problems ifyou have a goal and work very hard.

Somelisteners liked another proverb: "Strike while the iron is hot." Thismeans it is best to take action quickly and at the right time. Another favoriteproverb was, "God helps those who help themselves."

Xu Da-ju fromChina wrote that his country has thousands of proverbs. Several of them arealso used in the United States. One example is "Birds of a featherflock together." This means that people who are alike often becomefriends or spend time together.

Anotherproverb is "Blood is thicker than water." This means familyties are stronger than other relationships. A similar proverb states "Charitybegins at home." A person should help his family or close friendsbefore helping others.

Alina fromChina sent us this proverb: "He who would climb a ladder must begin atthe bottom." That is good advice when working around your home orlooking for a job.

Antonio Josefrom Brazil says his favorite proverb is "Tell me who walks with you,and I'll tell you who you are." Didier Vermeulen of France sent usthis one: "It does not matter the speed you go. The most importantthing is to never stop."

Wafaa fromEgypt says his favorite proverb is, "Think twice, act wise." He also says he is making an effort to use this saying in his life.

Anotherfavorite proverb among our listeners is "Practice makes perfect." Thismeans you will become good at something if you keep doing it. Another popularproverb is: "If you want something done right, do it yourself."

Najeeb fromAfghanistan sent us this proverb: "If you risk nothing, then you riskeverything."

And, here isthe favorite proverb of Marius Meledje in Ivory Coast: "Your defeat nowis your victory in the future." He says it means you can learn fromyour mistakes. This will help you do better when facing similar situations inthe future.

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