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The Wisdom of the Talmud
A boundless source of consolation and intellectual stimulation and one of the central texts of Judaism, the Talmud is not only a great compilation of ancient wisdom concerning law, religion, history, ethics, metaphysics, and folklore; it is also a treasure trove of aphorism, maxims, and witty sayings,
Adversity is the true school of mind.
Avoid anger and thou wilt not sin.
Too many captains sink the ship.
The noblest of all charities is in enabling the poor to earn a livelihood.
Dignity does not consist in a silk dress.
There are over 500 other proverbs and adages come together in this delightful collection, arranged under 143 headings such as adversity, ancestry, anger, business, charity, death, friendship, home life, honesty, immortality, labor, love, money, and truth. In addition to its sheer entertainment value, The Wisdom of the Talmud also provides important insights into Jewish ethics, folklore, and theology. Indispensable for writers, journalists, and public speakers, this rich selection will also delight general readers with its ageless appeal.
Adversity is the true school of mind.
Avoid anger and thou wilt not sin.
Too many captains sink the ship.
The noblest of all charities is in enabling the poor to earn a livelihood.
Dignity does not consist in a silk dress.
There are over 500 other proverbs and adages come together in this delightful collection, arranged under 143 headings such as adversity, ancestry, anger, business, charity, death, friendship, home life, honesty, immortality, labor, love, money, and truth. In addition to its sheer entertainment value, The Wisdom of the Talmud also provides important insights into Jewish ethics, folklore, and theology. Indispensable for writers, journalists, and public speakers, this rich selection will also delight general readers with its ageless appeal.
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
About the author
Madison Clinton Peters
105 books1 followerMadison Clinton Peters (November 6, 1859 – October 12, 1918) was an American clergyman.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 25, 2008
I bought this little volume of random selections from the Talmud at, of all places, a gun show. I have sometimes accompanied my husband to these things, in an effort to share his interests, but I always spent my entire time at the one book table in the place, which usually contains history books, political books, and, of course, gun books. When I bought this, the seller looked bemused and said, "No one has actually bought one of those before. I just like to display it for the controversy." I wasn't sure what he meant, but I can only assume he likes to provoke the idiot skinheads who can sometimes be seen at gun shows. This was the same gun show where I saw a nun in a habit manning one of the gun tables. Now that was an unexpected sight. I guess she didn't take a vow of poverty. But I digress. This well-chosen selection of quotations from the Jewish Talmud will introduce its readers to a wealth of proverbial wisdom. In these pages you will find sayings that have long since slipped into common English usage ("birds of a feather flock together"; "actions speak louder than words"; "the ends do not justify the means"; etc.). The Christian will also be interested to find here teachings parallel to those of Christ ("Man sees the mote in his brother's eye, but knows not of the beam in his own"; "He who wishes to be forgiven must forgive"; "take out the beam from thine eye...First correct thyself, then correct others"; etc.).
June 3, 2019
According to Wikipedia, the TALMUD: contains the opinions of thousands of rabbis on a variety of subjects, including law, ethics, philosophy, customs, history, theology, lore and many other topics.
The TALMUD is the explanation of religious and legal norms how Jews are expected to conduct themselves. It is second only to the TORAH in importance to adherents of the Jewish faith.
The book is divided into more than 100 categories, including quarreling, jealousy, hospitality, orphans and perdition. There are short excerpts illustrating the TALMUDS view. Here are a few examples.
MONEY: Money makes even bastards legitimate.
OPPORTUNITY: If the thief has no opportunity, he thinks himself honorable.
CHILDRENS OBLIGATIONS TO PARENTS: Only when the father tempts the son to commit sin is disobedience justifiable.
PRIDE: Pride is a sign of the worst poverty ignorance.
4 stars due to the slimness of the volume.
The TALMUD is the explanation of religious and legal norms how Jews are expected to conduct themselves. It is second only to the TORAH in importance to adherents of the Jewish faith.
The book is divided into more than 100 categories, including quarreling, jealousy, hospitality, orphans and perdition. There are short excerpts illustrating the TALMUDS view. Here are a few examples.
MONEY: Money makes even bastards legitimate.
OPPORTUNITY: If the thief has no opportunity, he thinks himself honorable.
CHILDRENS OBLIGATIONS TO PARENTS: Only when the father tempts the son to commit sin is disobedience justifiable.
PRIDE: Pride is a sign of the worst poverty ignorance.
4 stars due to the slimness of the volume.
January 1, 2018
Wish I could remember all of these wise sayings. A good way to start the new year.
January 8, 2022
Wise sayings from the commentary on the commentary on the Torah: The Hebrew Books of the Law. It is organised by topics and the sayings are as insightful and relevant today as they were when first uttered 1,500 or more years ago. Read them, recall them if you can and heed their advice, put them into practice. They will save your life and nourish your soul. Excellent.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews