Rodgers Dictionary of Proverbs
If you would be a good judge, hear what
every one says.
If you would be a good judge, pay attention
to what everyone says.
If you would be a merchant fine, beware o'
auld horses, herring, and wine.
If you would be happy for a week take a
wife; if you would be happy for a month
kill a pig; but if you would be happy all
your life plant a garden.
If you would be healthy, be sage betimes.
If you would be in good repute, let not the
sun find you in bed.
If you would be pope, you must think of
nothing else.
If you would be praised, die.
If you would be respected in company, seek
the society of your equals and not of
your superiors.
If you would be rich in a year, you may be
hanged in six months.
If you would be well served, serve yourself.
If you would catch a fox you must hunt with
geese.
If you would enjoy its fruit, pluck not the
blossom.
If you would enjoy the fruit, pluck not the
flower.
If you would get ahead, be a bridge.
If you would grow poor without knowing it,
put your helpers to work and go to sleep.
If you would grow poor without perceiving
it, employ workmen and go to sleep.
If you would have the dog follow you, give
him bread.
If you would have the lamp burn, you must
pour oil into it.
If you would have your work ill done, pay
beforehand.
If you would know the value of a ducat, try
to borrow one.
If you would know the value of a shilling,
try to borrow one.
If you would live healthy, be old early.
If you would live in health, grow old early.
If you would live long, open your heart.
If you would make a thief honest, trust him.
338
If you would make an enemy, lend a man
money, and ask for it back again.
If you would resemble the vulture, look out
for a carcase.
If you would shoot a general, shoot his
horse first.
If you would succeed, you must not be too
good.
If you wrestle with a collier you will get a
blotch.
If you yearry debil a come, clear de way.
If you yourself can do it, attend no other's
help or hand.
If you’re children are bad their mother is
bad.
If you’re Heelant you’re next door to the
Fifer.
If you'd be beloved, make yourself amiable.
If youhave the moon, ignore the stars.
If young men had wit and old men strength
everything might be well done.
If your beard's on fire, others will light their
pipes on it.
If your books are not read, your descendants
will be ignorant.
If your brother is rich it doesn't mean you're
rich.
If your buttocks burn, you know you have
done wrong.
If your child is dancing clumsily, tell him:
'you are dancing clumsily'; do not tell
him: 'darling, do as you please.'
If your conduct be noble, you will be a king.
If your corn field is far from your home, the
birds will eat your corn.
If your enemy is up to his waist in water,
give him your hand; if the water reaches
his shoulders, stand on his head.
If your face looks skewed, don't blame the
mirror.
If your face skewed, don't blame the mirror.
If your friend becomes your enemy, he will
be your enemy for life.
If your friend is honey, don't lick him
thoroughly.