C
Calm water does not mean that there are no crocodiles.
Interpretation
Great peril looms large behind utter silence too.
Comments
Crocodiles can lie underwater without churning it up. Great threats can also be within every person, thing or task. Nothing is transparent, including the people we know. Thoughts buried in one's heart cannot be gauged easily, so it is always prudent to step ahead with caution.
Origin
This proverb, that things are not always as they seem, was first recorded in 1666 in an Italian proverb collection. It also figures in Aesop'e Fable in the 6th Century.
Character can be built on daily routine.
Interpretation
Character building requires no arduous effort.
Comments
There is no coaching college imparting training to build one's character. It is by virtue of experience that one can learn. A lot of goodness can be grasped in our everyday chores which involve moving about, meeting or observing people etc., and this in turn helps us immensely in building our character.
Origin
Written records show its entry in the 4th Century, "Boke of Curtasye" that one can build one's character by following the checklist of etiquette of manners at every stage.
Charity begins at home.
Interpretation
Charity is a moral obligation, however, one must serve one's dependent first.
Comments
Charity is a noble task and being charitable is everyone's duty. Sharing one's surplus wealth to help those in want, promotes total social integration. However, prior to helping others one should ensure that his dependents at home are not deprived and ignored. This kind gesture of helping others would be appropriate, if it begins at home.
Origin
John Wyeliffe wrote in the 14th Century that "Charity should begin at himself." However, official records state that it was first used in Beamount and Fletcher's play, "Wit Without Money", in 1625.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness.
Interpretation
Cleanliness indicates purity in heart, mind, thought, action and body.
Comments
Bathing can only wash our external dirt away. Only the purity in ones heart can make one really clean and secure a place almost next to God. An amalgamation of all good virtues paves the way to be a good human being.
Origin
This proverb originated in the year 1788 by John Wesley in a sermon he gave, however, sentiments trace back to ancient Egypt. Bacon's advancement of learning (1605) pinpoints the same.
Cut your coat according to your cloth.
Interpretation
Be economical and live within the means of your income.
Comments
To stich a coat, a wise man first measures the cloth to se if if will suffice. If not, he cuts it accordingly so that he achieves his objective. The coat here refers to one's expenditure and the cloth the income. If the former exceeds the latter, then all sorts of problems arise, bringing an end to one;s peace and prosperity.
Origin
Recorded first in 1546. W.R.Inge in his work, "Lay Thoughts of a Dean," in 1926, also used it in context, to adapt ourselves to the changing scenario.