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Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life

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This collection of over 400 wise and witty proverbs captures the rich heritage, folklore, and faith of the Amish people.

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2010

80 people are currently reading
546 people want to read

About the author

Suzanne Woods Fisher

73 books3,965 followers
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine.

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.

Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Mandy J. Hoffman.
Author 1 book93 followers
August 24, 2010
MY REVIEW:

This book is simply sweet.

You can't help but become lost in the calming pictures and thought-provoking proverbs that Suzanne Woods Fisher has put together in this beautiful and small sized coffee table book. This is a perfect gift for someone who appreciates the simply side of life or anyone who enjoys the relaxing atmosphere of the country.

My favorite proverb featured in this adorable little book is:

"A task takes as long as it takes."

I get caught up so often in trying to finish as much as possible and usually end up frustrating myself. This simple little phrase is a wonderful reminder that I have no need to get discouraged but rather should enjoy the time that the task takes.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Simplify Your Life with Amish Wisdom
Insights into the Amish lifestyle of peace, simplicity and contentment

Spend enough time with the Amish, as author Suzanne Woods Fisher has, and you’ll hear them repeat a catchy turn of phrase or short words of wisdom, like “Good character like good soup is usually homemade,” or “Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.” Suspended in these phrases are age-old lessons about how to live wisely and please God. Reiterated day after day, the proverbs are learned by heart and help guide the lives of the Amish, reminding them of what’s truly important.

Fisher has spent a great deal of time with the Amish and has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People, which she shares in her new book
Amish Proverbs.

These proverbs cover all aspects of life, from finances to faith to family, as well as overcoming life’s frustrations. Serving as teaching tools and maxims for practical living, they're not just for the Amish. Proverbs help point us all toward wisdom, toward good judgment, toward God’s teachings. They're for anyone who seeks God's wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Some of the proverbs that readers will find in Amish Proverbs include:
o "It is better to give others a piece of your heart than a piece of your mind."
o "You are only poor when you want more than you have."
o "A child can read a parent’s character before he can read the alphabet."
o "Bibles that are coming apart usually belong to people who are not."
o "Those who fear the future are likely to fumble the present."
o "Kissing wears out, cooking don’t."
o "If you sense your faith is unraveling, go back to where you dropped the thread of obedience."
o "You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough."
o "A smile is a curve that can straighten out a lot of things."

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with readers through life's joys and sorrows and bring some of the Amish wisdom to everyday life.

With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

AUTHOR BIO:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California.

* * * * *

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.
Profile Image for Mayda.
3,817 reviews65 followers
July 8, 2017
This collection of Amish proverbs covers a variety of subjects in the life of the Amish community. Author Suzanne Woods Fisher begins each section with some background on the Amish way of life. Some proverbs are of a serious nature while others are humorous, but all are thought-provoking. Just remember, "Don't believe everything you think"!
Profile Image for Peggy Collins.
35 reviews
September 17, 2014
Timeless Wisdom

Very nicely written. Great timeless quotes and some sensible look at the Amish people and way of living. Great book.
Profile Image for Joan.
2,792 reviews100 followers
November 2, 2015
Short. Simple. Mildly interesting.
Profile Image for Kristina.
59 reviews5 followers
August 24, 2010
I'm sure you've all done it. Walked into a card or gift store looking for the perfect, inexpensive gift to give to a good friend. Let me tell you, order twenty-five copies of Amish Proverbs by Suzanne Woods Fisher because this is a book that you will not only want to have in your possession, but also pass it along to many of your friends.

My grandmother grew up Old Order Mennonite and spoke mainly Penn Dutch in her home. To this day I still have second cousins who adhere to the Old Order Mennonite teachings as well as many that have followed other religious paths. I grew up hearing stories about from my grandmother about growing up Mennonite. I also had the privilege of visiting Lewis County at least yearly and have been able to visit the graves of even my great-great grandparents. In Amish Proverbs, Suzanne Woods Fisher emphasizes the importance of family just as it is emphasized in the workings of Amish culture. I must attest to the fact that this is the point of view that I have attributed to the Amish way of life.

Amish Proverbs is divided into eleven different sections as follows: Time, Money, Faith, Children & Family, In Word & Deed, Work Ethic, Handling Adversity, Education, Community, Character, and Just for Fun. In each section the proverbs relate to that specific topic. Here are some of my favorites,

"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see."
p.73

"You can't stumble when you are on your knees." p.48

"There is one thing more exasperating than a wife who can cook and won't, and that's the wife who can't cook and will." p.201

Like I said, this book is full of little nuggets of wisdom and I can't but urge you to get your hands on a copy and enjoy it!

In closing, I'd like to leave you with the proverb that I attribute to my grandmother and mother, "Make hay while the sun shines."


A copy of this title was provided by Litfuse Publishing Group for review purposes.
Profile Image for Victor Gentile.
2,035 reviews66 followers
August 18, 2010
Suzanne Woods Fisher in her new book, “Amish Proverbs” words of wisdom from the simple life published by Revell gives us wisdom that we don’t hear much anymore. With beautiful photographs the proverbs are separated by “Time”, “Money”, “Faith”, “Children & Family”, “In Word & Deed”, “Work Ethic”, “Handling Adversity”, “Education”, “Community”, “Character” and “Just For Fun”.

Spend enough time with the Amish, as author Suzanne Woods Fisher has, and you’ll hear them repeat a catchy turn of phrase or short words of wisdom, like “Good character like good soup is usually homemade,” or “Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.” Suspended in these phrases are age-old lessons about how to live wisely and please God. Reiterated day after day, the proverbs are learned by heart and help guide the lives of the Amish, reminding them of what’s truly important.

Fisher has spent a great deal of time with the Amish and has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People, which she shares in her new book

These proverbs cover all aspects of life, from finances to faith to family, as well as overcoming life’s frustrations. Serving as teaching tools and maxims for practical living, they’re not just for the Amish. Proverbs help point us all toward wisdom, toward good judgment, toward God’s teachings. They’re for anyone who seeks God’s wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Some of the proverbs that readers will find in Amish Proverbs include:

* “It is better to give others a piece of your heart than a piece of your mind.”
* “You are only poor when you want more than you have.”
* “A child can read a parent’s character before he can read the alphabet.”
* “Bibles that are coming apart usually belong to people who are not.”
* “Those who fear the future are likely to fumble the present.”
* “Kissing wears out, cooking don’t.”
* “If you sense your faith is unraveling, go back to where you dropped the thread of obedience.”
* “You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough.”
* “A smile is a curve that can straighten out a lot of things.”

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with readers through life’s joys and sorrows and bring some of the Amish wisdom to everyday life.

I don’t know if this is an Italian proverb or just a proverb from my Italian mother but my contribution is, “It never rains but it pours.”

With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Victor Gentile.
2,035 reviews66 followers
January 17, 2011
Suzanne Woods Fisher in her new book, "Amish Proverbs" words of wisdom from the simple life published by Revell gives us wisdom that we don't hear much anymore. With beautiful photographs the proverbs are separated by "Time", "Money", "Faith", "Children & Family", "In Word & Deed", "Work Ethic", "Handling Adversity", "Education", "Community", "Character" and "Just For Fun".

Spend enough time with the Amish, as author Suzanne Woods Fisher has, and you’ll hear them repeat a catchy turn of phrase or short words of wisdom, like “Good character like good soup is usually homemade,” or “Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.” Suspended in these phrases are age-old lessons about how to live wisely and please God. Reiterated day after day, the proverbs are learned by heart and help guide the lives of the Amish, reminding them of what’s truly important.

Fisher has spent a great deal of time with the Amish and has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People, which she shares in her new book

These proverbs cover all aspects of life, from finances to faith to family, as well as overcoming life’s frustrations. Serving as teaching tools and maxims for practical living, they're not just for the Amish. Proverbs help point us all toward wisdom, toward good judgment, toward God’s teachings. They're for anyone who seeks God's wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Some of the proverbs that readers will find in Amish Proverbs include:

* "It is better to give others a piece of your heart than a piece of your mind."
* "You are only poor when you want more than you have."
* "A child can read a parent’s character before he can read the alphabet."
* "Bibles that are coming apart usually belong to people who are not."
* "Those who fear the future are likely to fumble the present."
* "Kissing wears out, cooking don’t."
* "If you sense your faith is unraveling, go back to where you dropped the thread of obedience."
* "You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough."
* "A smile is a curve that can straighten out a lot of things."

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with readers through life's joys and sorrows and bring some of the Amish wisdom to everyday life.

I don't know if this is an Italian proverb or just a proverb from my Italian mother but my contribution is, "It never rains but it pours."

With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Papalodge.
445 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2013
A very heartwarming read for this hectic time of year.
Brings things into perspective.

The only people with whom you should try to get even
are those who have been kind to you.

If you keep waiting for the right time
you may never begin.

The boy who gave the loaves and fishes
didn't go hungry.

The trouble with doing nothing is
it's hard to tell when you're finished.

Lightning does not strike
every time it thunders.

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over,
it became a butterfly.

Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns,
be glad that the thornbush has roses.

The only time to look down on your neighbor
is when you're bending over tohelp.

Tiny snowflakes sticking together
can accomplish great thing.

Fat hens lay few eggs.
When I read that proverb I immediately thought of someone.
I realized it was time to reflect more.
Over the years we have lost being kind to each other.
A sad trade off,walking through life with a mobile phone
glued to our ear, or twictching fingers textting.

Enjoy today...it won't come back.

Enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,840 reviews21 followers
August 2, 2011
This book is a treasure. It was more than I expected! From other reviews, I knew that there were Amish sayings and gorgeous pictures throughout. But I didn't know that there would be commentary from the author Suzann Woods Fisher about the Pennsylvania Dutch and one each for each section of the book.

The different sections are: Time, Money, Faith, Children & Family, In Word & Deed, Handling Adversity, Education, Community, Character and Just for Fun.

One of my favorites is "Enjoy today it won't come back".
One thing that amazes me is how so many of these proverbs get into my mother's family's sayings. They were never Amish but a couple generations did live in Pennsylvania at one time. It would be interesting to trace the migration of these teachings.

I am going to keep this little book on my book case by my
chair so that I can pull it out anytime that I want.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the Amish or learn more proverbs in general.

I thank Suzanne Woods Fisher for writing this book and look forward to reading all of her others.


Profile Image for Theresa.
423 reviews53 followers
August 17, 2010
This is such a beautiful book and would make not only a lovely treat for oneself, but is perfect for gift giving. "Amish Proverbs" is filled with gorgeous photograph of Amish life, all respectfully done. The pages are full of information about their beliefs and focuses on such topics as: time, money, faith, family and children, work ethic, education, words and deeds, adversity, community, character and just fun. Each section focuses on a specific topic, with a story and and then a deeper look at the beliefs and practices that surrounds that topic, followed by many wonderful Amish proverbs.

This book has made my favorites list - not only for its beauty, but for its inspirational content. I leave this book on the coffee table so that it is available to browse at any time. It has also become a topic of conversation with others when they stop by. I don't think there has been anyone that has been able to resist not only looking at the photos, but reading some of the proverbs and loving it.
Profile Image for Lisa.
225 reviews
November 30, 2010
A delightful collection of wit and wisdom. Fisher says “proverbs are small, concentrated packages that let us peek into the window of a peoples’ values and beliefs.” Most of these “pithy sayings” are universal, some dating back to Biblical times and much earlier. While the use of proverbs is diminishing in modern society, Fisher says the Amish are experiencing the opposite. Amish-Mennonite scribes from all over the world submit a weekly letter to Ohio headquarters. There has been a trend in the last 5 to 8 years to add a proverb to the end of the letter.

This is a charming little book with beautiful pictures as well. A few of my favorites:

Raising boys is as easy as digesting iron.

Anger makes your mouth work faster than your mind.

A man is happier to be sometimes cheated than to never trust.

Blessed are they who have nothing to say, and who cannot be persuaded to say it.

The reason some people get lost in thought is because it is unfamiliar territory.

Nothing is quite so annoying as to have someone go right on talking when you are interrupting.
Profile Image for Barbara   Mahoney.
1,010 reviews
December 30, 2014
This book was an unexpected treasure. It's a collection of Amish proverbs. The book is organized by category ex. money, faith, family, word & deed, work ethic, handling adversity, community, etc with a brief introduction to each chapter explaining background information regarding the Amish way of life.

Some of my favorite Amish proverbs:

"The most important thing in your home are people."

"Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel."

"An unkind remark is like a killing frost - no matter how much it warms up, the damage is already done."

"A smile is a curve that can straighten out a lot of things"

"Whoever talks about others will also talk about you."

"He talked much but said little"

"A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery of a detour."

"The person who says it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it."

Profile Image for Christy Trever.
613 reviews23 followers
August 30, 2010
Amish Proverbs by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a terrific hardcover gift book. The Amish have tons of proverbs that cover nearly every aspect of their lives, and Fisher has put them together along with beautiful photographs and profiles of some Amish people that exemplify the words of wisdom. Her book perfectly captures the spirit of the Plain People and the simplicity of their lives that are so rich with wisdom. The reason some people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory. If you think you're too small to make a difference, you haven't been in bed with a mosquito. Bibles that are coming apart usually belong to people who aren't. Readers will find themselves wanting to share the sayings and nodding their heads at the truisms. It's a book that you'll want to keep on your shelf to reread again and again.
Profile Image for Valerie.
262 reviews5 followers
August 3, 2010
Amish Proverbs, by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is an amazingly beautiful gift book. The pictures of gorgeous and capture the uniqueness of the Amish life. Beautiful photos.

The book is full of Amish Proverbs, just as the title indicates. Some of my favorites:

If you want to know a people, know their proverbs.

Raising boys is as easy as digesting iron.

Blessed are they who have nothing to say, and who cannot be persuaded to say it.

Why is it so hard to say "I broke it" and so easy to say "it broke"?

My personal favorite proverbs are:

Your outer world reflects your inner world.

It's never too late to be what you might have been.

Amish Proverbs. A lovely book.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Profile Image for Larry B Gray.
Author 6 books155 followers
August 14, 2012
I have always love proverbs and local “sayings” and Suzanne Fisher has captured the spirit of the simple life of the Amish in her book, “Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life.” I like the way she describes it, “If you want to know a people, know their proverbs.”

The book is a combination of proverbs and short stories that are so applicable in our everyday life and the photos make them come alive. In our busy, fast paced world it is good to reflect on the basics of life and how we live. I found her book very uplifting and thought provoking.

This book will make a great gift for any occasion. But, more important it is a great book to read and reflect on. I find myself using the proverbs in my blogging and up-dates all the time.

I highly recommend this book for all ages.
Profile Image for Janna Ryan.
292 reviews40 followers
August 22, 2010
I love Suzanne's book Amish Peace and was excited to read Amish Proverbs. This book is a beautiful work of art that would make a great gift. It is full of gorgeous photos of Amish country and many sites and things you would see there. Then it is filled with words of wisdom, a couple of my favorites...

"You can't stumble when you are on your knees."

"Nothing is quite so annoying as to have someone go right on talking when you are interrupting."

"Don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines."

A wonderful book that would be great for just reading a page or two at a time and spending the rest of the day mulling over the words of wisdom.
Profile Image for Mack.
127 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2016
A simple, sweet, and inspiring read.

While I don't share their beliefs, I certainly appreciate the wisdom of the Amish. This collection of lovely proverbs covers topics such as Time, Money, Faith, Children & Family, Work Ethic, and more. While many are serious and faith-based, more are simply steeped in good old fashioned common sense, subtle humor, and fun wordplay.

Regardless of religion, certain virtues shine in all of us. This fun read helps us remember what's important. The lovely photos and chapter intros sharing snippets of Amish life kept it varied and interesting. I enjoyed it a lot.
Profile Image for Holly (2 Kids and Tired).
1,060 reviews9 followers
August 19, 2010
Mixing proverbs with short vignettes, this is a truly lovely book. It's small and easily read in one sitting, but I think it's a perfect book to put on a table or shelf where you can just pick it up and peruse it for a few minutes. Some are serious and others funny. Some are simple, but all are profound in some way.

I loved this one: "One thing you can learn from by watching the clock is that it passes time by keeping its hands busy." And this one, "You are only poor when you want more than you have."

This is a gorgeous little book and would make a wonderful gift.
Profile Image for Deborah-Ruth.
Author 1 book10 followers
December 9, 2016
An excellent quick, humourous, and thought-provoking read which provides an inside glance into Amish culture and living. Each chapter begins with a brief description of the Amish way of life especially in areas pertaining to education, simplicity, family, and community, then followed by several pithy related Amish sayings. A great read both for those very familiar with Amish culture and those who are curious and new to the faith tradition. You might also be surprised at just how many adages the Christian church uses which originate from the Amish.
Profile Image for Mel.
581 reviews
December 23, 2011
What a great book! It's broken up into chapters by topic, such as: money, time, faith, children & family, character, etc. They start out with a person and incident or experience that ties in with the subject and proverbs are then listed. They are each very thought provoking.
The last chapter is for fun to show the Amish really do have a sense of humor. One of the proverbs listed for this chapter is: Nothing is quite so annoying as to have someone go right on talking when you are interrupting.
Profile Image for Charissa.
574 reviews
June 6, 2011
What a great little book, filled with wonderful reminders! Some of my favorites include: "Children are living messages we send to a time we will not see", "Regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow are twin thieves that rob us of the moment", and "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and take what comes with a smile".
Profile Image for Judith Noameshie.
87 reviews5 followers
July 16, 2014
Really enjoyed this!

I liked all the proverbs that come from the Amish. some of them are known by the general public but I enjoyed reading about the others too. Reading the proverbs have me an insight into what the Amish are about, and it's not just homemade furniture
or food.
Profile Image for V L.
25 reviews29 followers
January 3, 2016
A great insight to Amish understanding.

An excellent look into the Amish understanding of life, love, education and religion. The proverbs, sayings and bromides are worth reading and remembering. This book is abounding in "life lessons" everyone can use.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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