Ancient Jewish Proverbs: Chapter I: Human Existence

*30. He who eats the fat tail [’alyethā] will have to hide himself in the garret [‘ilīthā]; who eats cress [ḳāḳūlē] may rest quietly by the dunghills [ḳiḳlē] of the town (Pes. 114a; D. 203). Palestinian proverb. The "fat tail" was a rare and expensive luxury, and one who indulges in it may have to conceal himself from his creditors. On the other hand, the man who lives parsimoniously and within his means can expose himself in the most conspicuous parts of the town. (Note the play of words.) *31. He whose stomach is full increaseth deeds of evil (Ber. 32a; D. 499). Wealth breeds insolence. Cf. the Hebrew saying "A lion growls not in a den full of straw but in a den full of meat" (ibid., D. 54); and "They were filled and their heart was exalted" (Hosea xiii. 6), "But Jeshurun waxed fat and kicked" (Deut. xxxii. 15). p. 39 *32. The stomach carries the feet (Gen. R. ch, lxx. § 8; D. 409). Cheerful prospects stimulate a man's energies. Similarly it is said "The heart carries the feet" (Jalkut to Gen. § 123; D. 311). *33. Room can always be found for a delicacy (Erub. 82b; Meg 7b; D. 613). 34. A man's Zuzim do his brokerage for him (B. M. 63b; D. 271). If you have ready cash, you can dispense with the aid of middlemen. The general application is: The wealthy man can attain his ends more easily than the poor man. The Zuz is a small silver coin, a fourth of a Shekel in value—i.e. about 7d.