Ancient Jewish Proverbs: Chapter I: Human Existence

which is by no means to be preferred to the rendering of Jastrow I have adopted. The meaning is, Adversity has its uses if we are willing to grasp them. One is reminded of Shakespeare's lines: Sweet are the uses of adversity Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his head. As You Like It, Act II. Sc. i. All work connected with weaving was despised as being unmanly, and therefore men engaged in this occupation were always of the lowest strata of society. It was forbidden to listen to their songs (Sotah. 48a). 24. Even the wool-scraper is a prince in his own house (Meg. 12b; D. 599). Cf. "Every dog is a lion at home"; "A man's house is his castle." 25. On the dunghills of Māthā Mehasyā, and not in a palace at Pumbedīthā (Kerith. 6a; Hor. 12a; D. 116). Two names of Babylonian cities famous for their Rabbinic academies. At one time Māthā Meḥasyā was more renowned than its rival, and this proverb may refer to its superiority. Others explain it as a reference to the fact that this city escaped the misfortunes which befel the Jews in Babylon p. 37 during the fifth century AḌ., and the proverb therefore means, Better is poverty combined with security than riches combined with danger and anxiety. 26. Better is it to eat putrid fish [in peace] than the luxurious dish of the imprisoned (Kerith 6a; Hor. 12a; D. 299). (The wording is doubtful, but this seems to be the most probable meaning.) Cf. the preceding, and "Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith than a house full of feasting with strife" (Prov. xvii. 1), and "A bean in liberty is better than comfort in prison."