50+ Proverb Quotes about Life, Success and Happiness from Around the World

On this page your will find 50+ handpicked proverb quotes about life along with a short discussion of their meaning and application. Proverbs and sayings distill a lot of wisdom about life, success and happiness into one or two pithy lines. Proverbs from around the world add a cultural dimension which can offer a unique perpective in helping us cope with loss, process difficult and painful experiences and find meaning in life.

Proverb Quotes and Sayings about Life, Success and Happiness from Around the World

If you are looking for some wisdom about ways to improve your life and think more positively about your experiences, good or not so good, then this collection of international proverbs and sayings is likely to be helpful. Read on for some of the most inspirational proverb quotes from around the world and positive inspirational sayings.

But before diving into the list let's first consider what a proverb actually is.

What is a Proverb Anyway?

A proverb, according to Collins Dictionary, may be defined as: "a short sentence that people often quote, which gives advice or tells you something about life."

Proverbs often contain some general truth or piece of advice. These adages, axioms and especially idioms are often memorable because they use imagery to underline some fact, experience or attitude. The meaning of idioms is figurative rather than literal eg You’ve hit the nail on the head.

Some proverbs provide excellent maxims to live by. I have found what I consider as some of the best proverbs and sayings to share with you along with a short paragraph here and there about meaning especially as it relates to day-to-day life.

Below you will find a highly curated list of popular proverbs, quotes and sayings from around the world perfect for sharing on Facebook or as Instagram captions. Some are common proverbs and sayings while others are less common. All, however, contain a wealth of wisdom, knowledge and experience.

1. Don't let yesterday use up too much of today.
   Cherokee Proverb





Don't let yesterday use up too much of today. Cherokee Proverb.



2. At the end of hardship comes happiness.
   Korean Proverb



3. Those who don’t look forward, stay behind.
   Basque Saying



4. What is done is done. [Lo hecho, hecho está]
   Spanish Proverb / Spanish Saying

Meaning: Events that have happened cannot be changed. Our challenge is to accept the reality of things as they are and as far as possible live without regret.



5. Knowledge is a garden. If it isn’t cultivated, you can’t harvest it.
   African Proverb





Knowledge is a garden. If it isn’t cultivated, you can’t harvest it. African Proverb.

6. Truth is more valuable if it takes you a few years to find it.
   French Proverb


7. Knowledge without wisdom is like water in the sand.
   African Proverb


8. In times of test, family is best.
   Burmese Proverb
Meaning of this prowerful proverb: When a person is experiencing tough times, family can be a great comfort. We need all kinds of support from others beyond the need to belong. Family can provide both emotional and practical support and helps us through the hardest times in life. And if your family of origin doesn't provide the support you need create your own family from your friends network.


9. If you can’t live longer, live deeper.
   Italian Proverb

Meaning: We cannot predict the future or know how long we may have on this earth which is why it is important to live fully and well. Make every day count.


10. It is not the richest who has the most, but the one who needs the least. [No es más rico el que más tiene, sino el que menos necesita.]
    Spanish Saying

Meaning: Wealth in the form of money does not guarantee happiness. Happiness in life does not come from material things but rather from recognizing the difference between need and want. When we value the simpler things in life like nature, family, friends, our health and act with love we are likely to be happier and wealthier.





It is not the richest who has the most, but the one who needs the least. Spanish Proverb.



11. Better a drop of wisdom than an ocean of gold.
    Greek Proverb



12. Trouble does not discriminate. It comes to everyone at some point.
    African Proverb



13. The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
    Chinese Proverb

Meaning: "The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones" is a Chinese proverb that has some similarity to "Rome wasn't built in a day". It reminds us that any solution to a problem starts with a single step or action. Mountains aren't formed right away, they take years in the making. Expecting to achieve right away and expecting success without effort is setting yourself up for disappointment. If a problem is daunting and overwhelming, which many are, breaking down tasks into small manageable steps will help to accomplish a goal. Setbacks are part and parcel of the process. With step-by-step persistance your path can be cleared of stones and the mountain will grow ever smaller with each passing day.


14. Rain does not fall on one roof alone.
    African Proverb



15. We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.
    African Proverb






We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. African Proverb.



16. Fall seven times, stand up eight.
    Japanese Proverb



17. If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together.
    African Proverb



18. One generation plants the trees, and another gets the shade.
    Chinese Proverb

Meaning: We are not on this earth for long so we need to make our time count. Plant trees literally and figuratively. Spend your time wisely leaving something that the next generation will benefit from and value. Activate yourself today to do something that will provide lasting benefit even if you ultimately will not be the recipient.


19. However long the night, the dawn will break.
    African Proverb



20. The tree with most leaves will not necessarily produce juicy fruit.
    Brazilian Proverb

Meaning: Sometimes things or people are not as they seem and it is only with longer acquaitance we find this out. As the old adage goes you can't judge a book by its cover. Just as the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The best course of action is to hope that others will do the right thing and act with integrity but don't expect it or you will be often disappointed.




The tree with most leaves will not necessarily produce juicy fruit. Brazilian Proverb.




21. If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom.
    African Proverb



22. Those who wish to sing always find a song.
    Swedish Proverb

Meaning: This Swedish saying reinforces the idea that life is what we make it. It speaks to being yourself and finding your own path inspite of disapproval and censure from others. It also emphasizes persistance: if we continue to try we will find our uniqueness and our voice. Take risks and seek out new experiences in order to discover who you are and what song is right for you.


23. A book holds a house of gold.
    Chinese Proverb

Meaning: Books, whether from the past or current, can provide us with a wealth of knowledge. Make sure that your learning is not entirely experiential. You can learn so much about life and its purpose by dipping into good books where others have shared the knowledge of their experience. Go a step further and try to distill that learning by journaling and writing down your discoveries as you make them about life and the world around you.


24. He who runs after good fortune runs away from peace.
    African Proverb



25. Turn your face toward the sun and the shadows will fall behind you. [“Te tiro atu to kanohi ki tairawhiti ana tera whiti te ra kite ataata ka hinga ki muri kia koe.”]
    Maori Proverb






Turn your face toward the sun and the shadows will fall behind you. Maori Proverb.

26. To get lost is to learn the way.
    African Proverb



27. Once you carry your own water, you’ll remember every drop.
    African Proverb



28. The best candle is understanding.
    Welsh Proverb

Meaning: This quote is very similar to the James Howell quote: "Man's best candle is his understanding." When we can shine light on the darkness of a problem or the motivations of others through understanding and reason then we are much more able to forgive. Understanding leads to wisdom which helps us interpret the world in ways that are focused on acceptance and forgiveness rather than censure and criticism.


29. Even from a foe a man may learn wisdom.
    Greek Proverb

Meaning: Sometimes our greatest learning in life is from others who we may not like or respect. Important life lessons come from all corners so it is in your best interests to stay open to the possibility that wisdom may come from the most unlikely sources sometimes. Approach others with an open heart and you will be surprised what lessons about yourself and life can be learned.


30. It’s not enough to learn how to ride, you must also learn how to fall.
    Mexican Proverb

Meaning: This Mexican proverb highlights the need to accept failure and disappointments as we go through life without becoming overwhelmed and embittered. We cannot expect life not to throw us curved balls from time-to-time but what is important is learning to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off afterwards. When we reframe our problems as opportunities for learning and growth it is easier to carry on in the face of adversity. Persistance pays off in the end but it demands that we always keep the bigger picture in mind in order to endure life's challenges in the moment.




It’s not enough to learn how to ride, you must also learn how to fall. Mexican Proverb.




31. Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.
    Japanese Proverb



32. Tomorrow belongs to people who prepare for it today.
    African Proverb



33. Practice makes perfect.
    English Proverb (possibly Scottish in origin)



34. Be not afraid of going slowly. Be afraid of standing still.
    Japanese Proverb



35. Examine what is said, not who is speaking.
    African Proverb





Examine what is said, not who is speaking. African Proverb.




36. If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try spending the night with a mosquito.
    African Proverb



37. Even dust if piled up will become a mountain.
    Japanese Proverb



38. One falsehood spoils a thousand truths.
    African Proverb



39. Blood is thicker than water.
    English Proverb (possibly Scottish in origin)



40. A family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break.
    African Proverb





A family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break. African Proverb




41. Your body is a temple of knowledge.
    African Proverb



42. The sun at home warms better than the sun elsewhere.
    Albanian Proverb



43. Worry often gives a small thing a great shadow.
    Swedish Proverb



44. He who forgives ends the quarrel.
    African Proverb



45. Joy and sorrow sleep in the same bed.
    Czech Proverb





Joy and sorrow sleep in the same bed. Czech Proverb




46. He who puts up with insults invites injury.
    Jewish Proverb



47. It's the same life whether we spend it laughing or crying.
    Japanese Proverb



48. Character is like pregnancy it cannot be hidden forever.
    African Proverb



49. A friend's eye is a good mirror.
    Gaelic Proverb



50. Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead.
    Scottish Proverb





Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead. Scottish Proverb




51. Speech is silver, but silence is golden.
    Swiss Proverb



52. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
    American Proverb

Final Thoughts

If you enjoyed this list of collected international proverb quotes and sayings please feel free to share these on social media. My intention is to continually add to this list of world proverbs as time goes on so consider bookmarking this page to easily find future updates of some of the most inspirational proverb quotes and sayings I can find.

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