Thank You Proverbs & Sayings
"Proverb (noun): a short, well-known pithy saying, stating a general truth or piece of advice."
The Oxford English Dictionary
Proverbs exist in all languages and play a role in most, if not all, societies and cultures around the world.
Be they from Estonia or Nigeria, proverbs and traditional sayings convey universal truths and common sense wisdom that we can all relate to. Here are a selection of proverbs that touch on the themes of thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation.
Thank You & Gratitude Proverbs & Sayings
If we thanked God for the good things, there wouldn't be time to weep over the bad.
Yiddish Proverb
When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the person who planted them.
Chinese Proverb
Gratitude is the heart's memory.
French Proverb (often attributed to Jean-Baptiste Massieu)
Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.
Chinese Proverb (often attributed to Confucius)
When eating fruit, think of the person who planted the tree.
Vietnamese Proverb
To the grateful man give more than he asks.
Spanish (also Portuguese) Proverb
Since we cannot get what we like, let us like what we can get.
Spanish Proverb
If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
Native American Proverb
One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind.
Malayan Proverb
If you can read this, thank a teacher.
American Proverb
Gratitude is the least of virtues; ingratitude the worst of vices.
French Proverb
Half a loaf is better than none!
English Proverb
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
English Proverb
I complained I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.
Indian (also Persian) Proverb
Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot.
Nigerian Proverb
Get down on your knees and thank God you're still on your feet!
Irish Proverb
Though the wine belongs to the owner, the thanks are given to the butler.
Jewish Proverb
Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.
Estonian Proverb
Don't overload Gratitude; if you do, she'll kick.
American Proverb (often attributed to Benjamin Franklin)