Meaning: Foam isn't food

Context: Appearances deceive — substance matters

Meaning: Daydreams contain no speech

Context: Idle thoughts bring no results — dreams need action

Meaning: Every cow raises a son, but still keeps her own udder

Context: Even while giving, one must retain something — balance generosity

Meaning: A cow that rejects its hide looks through its holes

Context: You can't reject your nature — self-denial is futile

Meaning: A cow that has seen a lion won't graze carelessly

Context: Experience teaches caution — fear shapes wisdom

Meaning: A cow that refuses the brush will still find a tree to scratch

Context: Everyone seeks comfort — instinct finds its way

Meaning: If you're dying, wipe your saliva

Context: Keep dignity even in death — self-respect never ends

Meaning: If you're spoken of, people will talk; if you gossip, you'll be spoken of

Context: Gossip begets gossip — what you give returns to you

Meaning: If haste bears sons, slowness bears bags of gold

Context: Patience leads to wealth — careful timing wins

Meaning: If all things were equal, no rain would fall

Context: Nature thrives on difference — inequality sustains balance

Meaning: If tobacco had benefit, Habargidir would have eaten it

Context: The wise avoid useless habits — sarcasm against folly

Meaning: Haste bears sons, patience brings bags of money

Context: Rushing gives quick results, but patience yields lasting gain

Meaning: If the eldest misbehaves, what do you expect of the younger?

Context: The example set by elders shapes the youth

Meaning: If there's no skill in the clapping, why clap at night?

Context: Effort without wisdom is pointless — skill gives meaning to work

Meaning: If you go where eyes are gouged, pluck out your own

Context: Conform to local ways — adapt to survive

Meaning: If you crave something, speak and plan to get it

Context: Desire alone isn't enough — intention and effort bring results

Meaning: If you must lie, make it sound true

Context: Even lies require craft — truthfulness is easier in the end

Meaning: One fights as he's been beaten

Context: Experience hardens resolve — adversity breeds strength

Meaning: When labor pains begin, secrecy ends

Context: Some truths can't be hidden forever — time reveals all

Meaning: Talk was ruined by "say more," and soup was spoiled by "stir more"

Context: Excess spoils all — moderation in speech and action