Finnish proverbs

They say of Finland that it is the land where words, not swords, are the tools of the magicians. It seems true when you read great works like the epic poem of the Finns, the Kalevala.

There are more than a million Finnish proverbs and sayings in the archives of the Finnish Literature Society in Helsinki. Enjoy this sampling.

A Finn does not believe something until he tests it.

Love does not rust.

The child does away from home what he sees done at home.

Better the bitter truth than a sweet lie.

Who ignores the gift ignores the giver.

Sauna is the poor man’s drug store.

When you seek good, you find something better.

If only it were always summer and Sunday, and never winter or Monday.

Until the food is ready feed your guests with words.

Joy is the daughter of peace.

Hurry slowly.