How Proverbs Help

Proverbs have practical applications -- they can help you cope with everyday problems.

Let us assume you have been given a task to do, for example: stage a school play. You consider all the snags and problems: need for venue, props; unruly children, unhelpful parents, over helpful parents; the list is endless, you want to give up.

But wait, the proverb: Where there's a will there's a way pops into mind. Countless others have faced similar and worse difficulties and they have come to see that Faith can move mountains so it must be possible. Heartened, you move on and start.

You want it to be good... There could be a promotion if you impress the Head. So can proverbs help again? Of course: Well begun is half done. Here is some wisdom: start off with the right attitude, get the basics right and all will follow.

You are tired and want to wait, but: Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today. So, crying: Make hay while the sun shines and Time and tide wait for no man, you leap into action.
After a time you see some achievement but, really, there is a mountain of work to be done, perhaps it's too much. No, remember: Rome wasn't built in a day, just keep going, Lost time is never found again. Keep calm, Slow and steady wins the race.

You progress, but inevitably there are some mistakes: Trial and error waste time, try thinking first, and keep in mind: From little acorns great oaks grow, and for goodness sake Look before you leap. You keep repeating the affirmation: I can and I will.

The kids are coming along fine, enthusiastic parents are making the props, the air is thick with: If at first you don't succeed try, try and try again.

Everything is looking great, but: If something seems too good to be true... The confident young guy who assured you he was a whizz on guitar turns out to know only two chords and that's his limit. Panic! Send him for lessons? No, No good flogging a dead horse, seek a replacement. Every cloud has a silver lining. It turns out the shy boy in the corner has been Hiding his light under a bushel and is a guitar maestro. He's very nervous, you tell him to keep repeating: It will be all right on the night.

Your leading lady has just fallen out with the hero. You cajole her to Let bygones be bygones. You tell him: Faint heart never won fair lady.

The Head drops by and sees all the panic, he smiles benignly and says: To err is human, to forgive divine. You quietly mutter: The devil looks after his own.

A stir heralds the arrival of a new lad. He modestly admits to being the son of an actor and very experienced on stage. You nearly hug him and cry: Cometh the hour cometh the man. He looks embarrassed, the girls all giggle.

The show is a great success but you remember Pride comes before a fall and act modestly and graciously thanking all for their assistance without which your contribution would be nothing. The Head is beaming at you: All is well that ends well.

Seasons greetings to all my readers.

William Clark