P044

Passage 44   Expressions That Are Old and True

A proverb is a short, well-known saying that expresses a common truth or belief. Many proverbs give advice about how to live.

For example, my son is just like his father in many ways. We often say the two of them prove the proverb that the apple does not fall far from the tree.

My daughter is very short. She would like to be taller. But I tell her that good things come in small packages，like diamonds and other jewels. Also, I tell them do not judge a book by its cover. Do not be fooled by appearances.

Another proverb is, do not bite off more than you can chew. This means do not try to do more than you are able to do.

Finally, I always like this proverb: You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Honey is sweet while vinegar is not. In other words, you can win people to your side more easily with gentle persuasion than by hostile actions.