The Wisdom of Aphorisms

Introduction

This post created with the assistance of ChatGPT by OpenAI 

About a year ago I worked through Jordon Peterson’s Self Authoring exercise. When I came to the part asking what my aim for the future might be I decided to say I wanted to be wise. Today I said to my wife “At almost 75 I didn’t know there was so much to learn! I had heard of Aphorisms but not really explored them. So here is some of what I learned.

An aphorism is a concise, memorable statement that expresses a general truth, principle, or observation about life. It often contains wisdom or insight and is phrased in a way that makes it easy to remember and quote. Aphorisms are typically brief, yet they capture a larger concept or idea in just a few words.

Example: “Knowledge is power.” – This aphorism conveys a simple but profound truth about the value of knowledge.

Here is a list of aphorisms along with explanations and biblical approximations:

1.“Actions speak louder than words.”

Explanation: What people do carries more weight than what they say. It emphasizes that promises or intentions are less important than behavior.

Biblical Approximation: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22

2.“A soft answer turns away wrath.”

Explanation: Responding with gentleness can calm a volatile situation and prevent escalation.

Biblical Approximation: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1

3.“You reap what you sow.”

Explanation: The consequences of one’s actions will eventually return, whether good or bad.

Biblical Approximation: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7

4.“Pride comes before a fall.”

Explanation: Overconfidence and arrogance often lead to failure or downfall.

Biblical Approximation: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18

5.“Love covers a multitude of sins.”

Explanation: Love can overlook faults and forgive wrongs, fostering reconciliation.

Biblical Approximation: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8

6.“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Explanation: Treat others with the respect and kindness you would want for yourself.

Biblical Approximation: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” – Matthew 7:12

7.“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Explanation: Without guidance or a plan, people tend to lose direction and falter.

Biblical Approximation: “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint.” – Proverbs 29:18

8.“Man shall not live by bread alone.”

Explanation: Human needs go beyond physical sustenance; spiritual nourishment is equally important.

Biblical Approximation: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4

9.“A friend loves at all times.”

Explanation: True friendship remains steadfast through good times and bad.

Biblical Approximation: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17

10.“The first shall be last, and the last shall be first.”

Explanation: God often reverses worldly expectations, uplifting the humble and bringing down the proud.

Biblical Approximation: “So the last will be first, and the first last.” – Matthew 20:16

Here are a few more aphorisms from famous people, along with brief explanations:

11.“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Explanation: When injustice occurs in one part of the world or society, it affects the integrity of justice as a whole.

Biblical Approximation: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” – Proverbs 31:8

12.“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Explanation: Fear can paralyze us and prevent us from achieving greatness; often, it’s the fear of fear that holds us back, not real danger.

Biblical Approximation: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

1 3. “He who has a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how.’” – Friedrich Nietzsche

Explanation: If you have a purpose or meaning in life, you can endure difficulties or challenges.

Biblical Approximation: “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” – Romans 5:3-4

14.“I think, therefore I am.” – René Descartes

Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the connection between thought and existence, underscoring self-awareness as proof of one’s being.

Biblical Approximation: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” – Proverbs 23:7

15.“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates

Explanation: Reflecting on one’s life, actions, and purpose is essential to living meaningfully.

Biblical Approximation: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” – 2 Corinthians 13:5

16.“An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” – Attributed to Mahatma Gandhi

Explanation: Revenge leads to more harm and perpetuates a cycle of violence. Forgiveness and mercy break that cycle.

Biblical Approximation: “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44

1 7. “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Explanation: Instead of waiting for others to change, embody the values and actions you want to promote.

Biblical Approximation: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

18.“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Explanation: Forge your own way rather than following the conventional route, inspiring others to do the same.

Biblical Approximation: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2

These aphorisms offer wisdom from renowned thinkers and leaders, many of which align with biblical teachings on justice, courage, self-reflection, and leadership.

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