Basque Proverbs and Sayings

This is to give you a taste of Basque wisdom. To see what the abbreviations at the rear or some of the sentences mean, follow the link.

A good friend makes one a better person, a bad one a worse one.

A wise person believes little. [Abr]

A wise person believes very little in what is merely of names.*

Do always a fit, right thing, even if you don't come to see results.*

Earth belongs to the brave but heaven to those who deserve it.

Flatterers and traders may be related. [Mod]

For anything bad there could be something better and worse.*

God is good, but not crazy.

If you know how to live you know much.

It's at times an easy job to give orders, but you should pay for it. [Mod]

It's better to have a harsh boss than a crazy one.

One who has nothing may be found to be willing to give.

One who spends his time among wise people is wise too.

Sleep with a woman and she will make sure you wake up.

The eagle needs feathers, and the wren does too.

The truth can be painful.

There is no point in offering a helping hand to someone who wants to drown.

To a good listener, few words are needed.

What the child sees at home, that's what the child may learn.

What the wolf does pleases his mate.