1.
A wise man among the ignorant is as a beautiful girl in the company of blind men.
Saadi
A knowledgeable individual amid the unaware is like a stunning damsel in the presence of those sightless.
2.
Human beings are members of a whole,
In creation of one essence and soul.
If one member is afflicted with pain,
Other members uneasy will remain.
If you have no sympathy for human pain,
The name of human you cannot retain.
Saadi
3.
Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy.
Saadi
Exercise forbearance. All tasks are arduous before they become effortless.
4.
I fear God the most, but after Him, I fear those who don't fear Him.
Saadi
I revere God the most, but in His wake, I tremble before those who fail to reverence Him.
5.
Whatever makes an impression on the heart seems lovely in the eye.
Saadi
Whatever stirs the emotions appears delightful to behold.
6.
You who feel no pain at the suffering of others It is not fitting for you to be called human.
Saadi
It is inappropriate to deem you a person if you are indifferent to the anguish of others.
7.
When the belly is empty, the body becomes spirit; and when it is full, the spirit becomes body.
Saadi
When hunger is present, the physical form becomes ethereal; and when satiated, the ephemeral takes on corporeal form.
8.
It's no virtue to gain the whole world. Just gain the heart of one person.
Saadi
It is not advantageous to acquire the entire planet. Simply capture the affections of one individual.
9.
If a gem falls into mud it is still valuable. If dust ascends to heaven, it remains valueless.
Saadi
If a diamond is dropped in the mire, it retains its worth. If ashes ascend to the sky, they will still be inconsequential.
10.
The best loved by God are those that are rich, yet have the humility of the poor, and those that are poor and have the magnanimity of the rich.
Saadi
'The most beloved of the Almighty are those who possess the wealth of the affluent, but maintain the humility of the destitute, and those without possessions that carry themselves with grandeur akin to opulence.'
11.
Whoever acquires knowledge but does not practice it is as one who ploughs but does not sow.
Saadi
Whoever acquires knowledge but does not utilize it is similar to one who tills without sowing.
12.
Every leaf of the tree becomes a page of the book, once the heart is opened and it has learnt to read.
Saadi
Every leaf of the tree transforms into a passage of the book, once the heart is unlocked and it has gained knowledge of literacy.
13.
The sons of Adam are limbs of each other, Having been created of one essence. When the calamity of time affects one limb, the other limbs cannot remain at rest. If you have no sympathy for the troubles of others, You are unworthy to be called by the name of a human.
Saadi
14.
Make no friendship with an elephant keeper If you have no room to entertain an elephant
Saadi
Abstain from establishing amity with a pachyderm custodian if you are not able to provide lodgings for an elephant.
15.
The heart is like a musical instrument of many strings, all the chords of which require putting in harmony.
Saadi
The heart is akin to a multifaceted instrument of sound, all the notes of which must be brought into accord.
16.
The hand of liberality is stronger than the arm of power.
Saadi
The power of generosity exceeds the strength of force.
17.
A handsome woman is a jewel; a good woman is a treasure.
Saadi
An alluring woman is a gemstone; an admirable woman is a priceless asset.
18.
O Contentment, make me rich! for without thee there is no wealth.
Saadi
"O Satisfaction, endow me with riches! For without you there is no affluence."
19.
Riches are for the comfort of life, and not life for the accumulation of riches. I asked a holy wise man, "Who is fortunate and who is unfortunate?" He replied: "He was fortunate who ate and sowed, and he was unfortunate who died without having enjoyed.
Saadi
20.
Better is the sinner who hath thoughts about God, than the saint who hath only the show of sanctity.
Saadi
21.
A grateful dog is better than an ungrateful man.
Saadi
22.
Whoever gives advice to a heedless man is himself in need of advice.
Saadi
23.
Religion is only in the service of the people; it is not in the rosary and the prayer-carpet.
Saadi
24.
God gives sleep to the bad, in order that the good may be undisturbed.
Saadi
25.
When a man appreciates only eating and sleeping, what excellence has he over the reptiles?
Saadi
26.
In the sea there are countless treasures,
But if you desire safety, it is on the shore.
Saadi
27.
Nothing is so good for an ignorant man as silence; and if he was sensible of this he would not be ignorant.
Saadi
28.
The world is not a courtroom There is no judge no jury no plaintiff. This is a caravan filled with eccentric beings telling wondrous stories about God.
Saadi
29.
Ants, fighting together, will vanquish the lion.
Saadi
30.
A traveler without knowledge is a bird without wings.
Saadi
31.
Anger that has no limit causes terror, and unseasonable kindness does away with respect. Be not so severe as to cause disgust, nor so lenient as to make people presume.
Saadi
32.
When you see contention amongst your enemies, go and sit at ease with your friends; but when you see them of one mind, string your bow, and place stones upon the ramparts.
Saadi
33.
Take care how you listen to the voice of the flatterer, who, in return for his little stock, expects to derive from you considerable advantage. If one day you do not comply with his wishes, be imputes to you two hundred defects instead of perfections.
Saadi
34.
People are crying up the rich and variegated plumage of the peacock, and he is himself blushing at the sight of his ugly feet.
Saadi
35.
Whenever you argue with another wiser than yourself in order that others may admire your wisdom, they will discover your ignorance.
Saadi
36.
Virtue is in the mind, not in the appearance.
Saadi
37.
A man is insensible to the relish of prosperity until he has tasted adversity.
Saadi
38.
Of journeying the benefits are many: the freshness it bringeth to the heart, the seeing and hearing of marvelous things, the delight of beholding new cities, the meeting of unknown friends, and the learning of high manners.
Saadi
39.
He who is intoxicated with wine will be sober again in the course of the night, but he who is intoxicated by the cupbearer will not recover his senses until the day of judgement.
Saadi
40.
Whoever recounts to you the faults of your neighbour will doubtless expose your defects to others.
Saadi
41.
However much you study, you cannot know without action. A donkey laden with books is neither an intellectual nor a wise man. Empty of essence, what learning has he whether upon him is firewood or book?
Saadi
42.
There is a difference between him who claspeth his mistress in his arms, and him whose eyes are fixed on the door expecting her.
Saadi
43.
Tell no one the secret that you want to keep, although he may be worthy of confidence; for no one will be so careful of your secret as yourself.
Saadi
44.
He who learns, and makes no use of his learning, is a beast of burden with a load of books. Does the ass comprehend whether he carries on his back a library or a bundle of faggots?
Saadi
45.
Patience accomplishes its object, while hurry speeds to its ruin.
Saadi
46.
The rose and the thorn, and sorrow and gladness are linked together.
Saadi
47.
Wherever the tree of beneficence takes root, it sends forth branches beyond the sky!
Saadi
48.
Virtue pardons the wicked, as the sandal-tree perfumes the axe which strikes it.
Saadi
49.
Pride thyself on what virtue thou hast, and not on thy parentage.
Saadi
50.
Kings stand more in need of the company of the intelligent than the intelligent do of the society of kings.
Saadi