Lao Proverbs

Lao proverbs carry Mekong-valley wisdom shaped by Theravada Buddhism and village rice life. Echoes of the old Lan Xang “Million Elephants” kingdom praise harmony, patience, and quiet strength.

Happiness flies away from those who want it most. (Lao Proverb)
When you've heard it you must see it; when you've seen it make a judgement with your heart. View proverb
Lao Proverb
Although he who walks behind an elephant may feel very secure, he is likely to get splattered with elephant dung. View proverb
Lao Proverb
The voice of a poor man does not carry very far. View proverb
Lao Proverb
Live with vultures, and become a vulture; live with crows, and become a crow. View proverb
Lao Proverb
Listen with one ear; be suspicious with the other. View proverb
Lao Proverb
If you must be a servant, serve the rich; if you must be a dog, let it be a temple dog. View proverb
Lao Proverb
If you like to have things easy, you'll have difficulties; if you like problems, you will succeed. View proverb
Lao Proverb
One piece of wood will not make a fire. View proverb
Lao Proverb
Learning means loving the country. View proverb
Lao Proverb
When the water rises, the fish eat the ants; when the water falls, the ants eat the fish. (Lao Proverb)
You know, you teach. You do not know, you learn. View proverb
Lao Proverb
A person's stripes are inside; those of a tiger are outside. View proverb
Lao Proverb