Learning from Proverbs ~ Life Lessons for The Young (English).pptx

A PowerPoint Presentation of a selection of good English Proverbs that teach important Life Lessons and virtue, moral values and wise thinking.
The meaning of each proverb is given followed by an important message/advice for Reflection. The texts are in English.
For the Video Presentation (with audio narration and explanation in English),
check out the URL at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CnMm4CFCgM

1. Learning from Proverbs Life Lessons for The Young 1

2. 2 They are well-known phrases or sentences that give advice or say something that is generally true, for example, ‘Strike while the iron is hot.’ ‘Many hands make light work’.

3. “Actions Speak Louder Than Words” Meaning People's actions show their real attitudes, rather than what they say. This expression is sometimes used to advise a person to do something positive. It is easy to make lofty promises but very difficult to act accordingly or follow them through. So, actions are a reflection of a man’s character. Reflection 3

4. “All That Glitters Is Not Gold” Meaning Someone or something may not be as good or as valuable as they first appear. So be careful…external looks can be deceptive. Reflection Anything which attracts you because of its external appearance may not be that worthwhile to use. The inherent quality may not be good, but the exterior look allures people. 4

5. “An Idle Mind is the Devil’s Workshop” Meaning When people have nothing to do or are bored, they are more likely to engage in activities that may be harmful or morally wrong. In other words, when someone is idle or not occupied with productive tasks, they may be more prone to negative thoughts or behaviors. A person should always keep himself fruitfully occupied. If a person spends time not doing anything worthwhile, then she/he is likely to get engaged in thinking about some mischief. Reflection 5

6. “A Stitch in Time Saves Nine” Meaning If any problem is identified, it should be immediately dealt with rather than wait until it worsens or becomes even larger. A corrective measure taken in time saves the problem from growing in proportion and beyond means. Reflection When one has a task to do or a problem to resolve, he should not procrastinate but be prompt to take action before it is too late. 6

7. “ As You Sow, So Shall You Reap ” Meaning The reward or punishment of any deed always depends on the kind of action it is. Good deeds are rewarded with success, and bad deeds are awarded some punishment. Reflection The Law of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Action and the consequence) reigns supreme. Good begets good. Bad Begets Bad. What goes around comes around. 7

8. “ Clothes Do Not Make the Man ” Meaning You cannot accurately judge a person solely by appearances. Appearances can be deceptive. True character of a person can be judged only by the inherent qualities she/he has. Reflection What really counts for a man in this transient world is not his wealth, possessions, fame, his degrees, power or looks. They all will pass away. What really matters is a man’s character, his virtue, compassion and wisdom. 8

9. “ Don’t Put the Cart Before the Horse ” Meaning It means to make sure that you do things in the correct order. It is used to advise people to do systematic work. In a horse cart, the cart is drawn by the horse, and so every work should be done methodically in a proper way. Reflection Given a piece of work to do, one must have the knowledge to do the work in a wise, systematic and organized way. One who, having no knowledge or a bad attitude is a failure in doing his work. He is inefficient and cannot be successful. 9

10. “ A Friend in Need Is a Friend Indeed ” Meaning The proverb means that you may have many friends, but a true and real friend is someone who helps at a difficult time or when you really need help. Reflection The best type of friend is the Kalyanamitta , the Spiritual Friend. He is one of virtue, has loving-kindness, compassion and wisdom. He is a selfless helper and an excellent guide to help you resolve your problems and conquer suffering. 10

11. “ Pride Comes/Goes Before a Fall ” Meaning This proverb means that if you are overconfident about your abilities, something bad can happen that can make you look foolish. Reflection Beware of the danger of Ego and Self-Conceit. Out of Ego, a person can say or do foolish or unwholesome actions which bring consequences that will cause him suffering. 11

12. “Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” Meaning This proverb is all about people being hypocritical. It basically means that you shouldn’t judge people for faults or failings that you yourself have. “Easily seen is the fault of others, but one’s own fault is difficult to see. Like chaff one winnows another’s faults, but hides one’s own, even as a crafty fowler hides behind sham branches.” Dhammapada Verse 252 12

13. Life Lessons for The Young The End With Metta, Bro. Oh Teik Bin May you practice Life Lessons diligently. 13