A proverb can not be refuted.
Note: Proverbs capture the wisdom of a culture. They are culled from everyday experience over thousands of years. One can not argue with the collected wisdom of the ages. The word for proverb in Irish, seanfhocal, literally means old word or saying.
Celts subcribe to the wisdom of proverbs. “Ged dh’eignichear an seanfhacal, cha breugaichear e.” (Though the old saying be strained, it can not be belied.)– Scots Gaelic. “Plant gwirionedd yw hen diarhebion.” (Old proverbs are children of the truth.) — Welch
The ancient people of Israel subcribed to the wisdom of proverbs, to the wisdom of Solomon:
Leabhar na Leabhar na SEANFHOCAL Teideal agus Cuspóir an Leabhair
1 Seanfhocail Sholaimh mac Dháiví rí Iosrael:
2 Le go mba eol céard iad an eagna agus an teagasc; le go dtuigfí briathra ciallmhara;
3 Le go bhfaighfí oiliúint in iompar críonna, san fhíréantacht, sa chóir, agus sa cheart.
4 Le críonnacht a thabhairt don saonta, agus eolas agus tuiscint don óg;
5 Le ciall an tseanfhocail agus na solaoide a cheapadh, briathra na saoithe agus a nathanna –
6 éisteadh an t-eagnaí freisin agus beidh breis eolais aige, agus beidh cumas dea-chomhairle ag an bhfear tuisceanach.Purpose of the Proverbs of Solomon
1 The Proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
2 The men may appreciate wisdom and discipline, may understand the words of intelligence;
3 May receive training in wise conduct, in what is right, just, and honest;
4 That resourcefulness may be imparted to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
5 A wise man by hearing them will advance in learning, an intelligent man will gain sound and guidance,
6 That he may comprehend proverb and parable, the words of the wise and their riddles.
We hope these pages bring you, gentle reader, some measure of this ancient wisdom. We also hope it gives you some insight into the the basic truths of Irish culture. You could also use these pearls of wisdom to win an argument or two.
