Rodgers Dictionary of Proverbs
If words fail no others will avail.
If work were a good thing, the rich would
have grabbed it a long time ago.
If work were good for you, the rich would
leave none for the poor.
If ya wuk ya want, and if ya dont wuk ya
want, so why wuk.
If ye dinna see the bottom, dinna wade.
If ye do wrang, mak amends.
If ye had as little money as ye have manners,
ye would be the poorest man of all your
kin.
If ye wanted me, and your meat, you would
want ane good friend.
If you accommodate others, you will be
accommodating yourself.
If you act as good as you look, you'll never
shame your family.
If you add to the truth, you take something
away from it.
If you aim your spear at two fish, both will
escape.
If you always fear misfortune, you'll miss
out on happiness.
If you always give, you will always have.
If you always live with those who are lame,
you will yourself learn to limp.
If you always say "No', you'll never be mar-
ried.
If you always walk down the same path,
you’ll go where you’ve already been.
If you are a cock, crow; if a hen, lay eggs.
If you are a flag follow the wind.
If you are a friend of the captain, you can
wipe your hands on the sail.
If you are a host to your guest, be a host to
his dog as well.
If you are a leader of peace, listen to the dis-
course of the petitioner. Be not abrupt
with him; that would trouble him.
If you are a mouse don't follow frogs.
If you are a peg, endure the knocking; if you
are a mallet, strike.
If you are a peg, endure the knocking; if you
are a mallet, strike.
If you are absent you lose your share.
If you are afraid of something, you give it
317
power over you.
If you are afraid of the wolves, do not go to
the woods.
If you are afraid to die, you have already
died.
If you are already wet, you won't care about
the rain.
If you are always dwelling in trouble,
change your address.
If you are among the roses, your friends will
look for you among the thorns.
If you are an anvil, be patient; if you are a
hammer, strike hard.
If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you
will be more astonished at Pharaoh's.
Not-Moses declared himself to he a
prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to
be God.
If you are bitter at heart, sugar in the mouth
will not help you.
If you are born an ass, you will die one.
If you are born fat you will not die thin.
If you are building a house and a nail
breaks, do you stop building, or do you
change the nail?
If you are building something and a nail
breaks, should you stop building
altogether, or should you change the
nail?
IF you are buying a cow, make sure that the
price of the tail is included.
If you are choosing between bad company
and loneliness, choose the second option.
If you are clever, you say good morning to
the cook.
If you are contented with your lot, you will
live wisely.
If you are dancing with your rivals, don't
close your eyes.
If you are desperate, you must not be
choosy.
If you are determined -- just do it.
If you are digging a pit for your enemy,
don't make it too deep, for you may fall
into it.