Our ancestors used trees to explain things and dispense important lessons in life. Here are ancient sayings compiled by Damiana Eugenio, followed by our comments in parenthesis:
A sturdy tree resists the blowing wind. (A strong person resists temptations.)
Don’t cut a tree to get to its fruits. (Don’t settle for temporary gains.)
Don’t lie under a broken tree lest it falls on you. (Do not trust people you can’t rely on.)
Even a lowly tree has shades you can hide under. (Each of us has different contributions to society.)
A tree should be straightened while tender, for when it’s big and tall, it won’t be easy to bend it. (Discipline people while they’re young.)
A fruit-laden tree is often stoned. (People who do a lot of good are often the target of criticism and envy.)
A tree will not flourish even when watered if it does not get some sunshine. (A person may have many resources, but if he does not have a relationship with the Supreme Being, he won’t achieve real progress.)
The tree that you plant today will help you someday. (The steps you take today toward the Supreme Person will bring you closer to your real home.)
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