The Sentences of the Syriac Menander

The Sentences of the Syriac Menander

[A collection of practical maxims preserved in Syriac under the name of Menander; a selection.]

Fear God with all your heart, and honor your father and mother.

Whoever despises his parents, his lamp will be put out in darkness.

Do not love idleness, for idleness teaches every evil.

Care for your household, and do not waste your substance in folly.

Do not drink wine to drunkenness, for wine has ruined many.

Do not slander your neighbor, nor carry tales from house to house.

Better a poor man who is honest than a rich man who is a liar.

Better a little with peace than a great house full of strife.

Visit the sick, and do not forget the prisoner.

Give to the poor, and your store will not fail.

Train your son while he is young, before his heart grows hard.

Choose a faithful friend, and do not forsake him in trouble.

[A selection; the collection is longer.]