Persian Proverbs

Persian proverbs distill Iran’s ancient heritage, from Achaemenid kings to the Silk Road. They favor poetic wit, hospitality, and hard-earned caution, echoing a culture shaped by epic verse and enduring cities.

A thief is a king until he is caught. (Persian Proverb)
When the cat and the mouse agree, the grocer is ruined. View proverb
Persian Proverb
When a stone hits glass, the glass breaks. When glass hits a stone, the glass breaks. View proverb
Persian Proverb
If there are two cooks in one house, the soup is either too salty or too cold. View proverb
Persian Proverb
What is brought by the wind will be carried away by the wind. View proverb
Persian Proverb
A snake can change its skin but not its disposition. View proverb
Persian Proverb
The night hides a world, but reveals a universe. View proverb
Persian Proverb
He who doesn't go to war roars like a lion. View proverb
Persian Proverb
Maturity comes from wisdom, not in the passing of years. View proverb
Persian Proverb
To the ant, a few drops of dew is a flood. View proverb
Persian Proverb
When the snake is old, the frog will tease him. (Persian Proverb)
Debts are like women, once you have them you can't get rid of them. View proverb
Persian Proverb
I have no right to rejoice at the death of my enemy when I do not have eternal life myself. View proverb
Persian Proverb
In this world generous people have no money and those with money are not generous. View proverb
Persian Proverb
he has lost the horse, but is looking for the horseshoe. View proverb
Persian Proverb
The arrow that has left the bow never returns. View proverb
Persian Proverb
Never open a door that you can't lock again. View proverb
Persian Proverb
Thinking well is wise; planning well, wiser; but doing well is the wisest and best of all. View proverb
Persian Proverb
Who sows barley cannot reap wheat. View proverb
Persian Proverb
Work is twice done by the man in a hurry. View proverb
Persian Proverb
Our real grave is not in the ground but in men's hearts. (Persian Proverb)
Who does not beat his own child will later beat his own breast. View proverb
Persian Proverb
Learn good manners from those who don't have them. View proverb
Persian Proverb
With a sweet tongue of kindness, you can drag an elephant by a hair. View proverb
Persian Proverb
The wise man who does not put his knowledge into practice is like a bee that gives no honey. View proverb
Persian Proverb
More Persian Wisdom in Wikiquote