The worst brandy is better than water.
The path to the law court is wide; the path away from it is narrow.
Even when drowning, a man wants company.
Cherish your wife as you would your salvation, and beat her as you would your coat.
A bad peace is superior to a good quarrel.
Spare the peasant your lash, but not his rubles.
Poverty is not a sin, but it’s a great deal worse.
In a storm, pray to the Lord and keep on rowing as hard as you can.
A sparrow is small; still, it’s a bird.
If your wife were a guitar, you could hang her up after playing.
An old crow never croaks without reason.
A dozen axes may be left together; two spindles must be kept apart,
A dog is wiser than a woman, for it does not turn upon its master.
To the badness in his wares the seller is blind.
Good luck departs — like your hair; bad luck remains — like your nails.