Maxims & Wise Counsel

Dligid óc eladain.

(deserves * young person * a skill)

A young person should be taught a skill.

Cid bec, mét frigi, do locht...

Cid bec, mét frigi, do locht,
airige for nech do chéin;
cid métithir slíab do locht,
nocha n-airige fort féin.

(although * small * size * of mite * for * a fault / you notice * on * someone * to * distance / although * as sizeable (as) * a mountain * for * a fault / not * you notice * on you * self)

Though a fault be small, a trifle,
you see it on another at a distance;
Though a fault be the size of a mountain,
You do not see it on yourself.

Trí búada insci...

Trí búada insci: fosta, gáes, gairte.

(three * virtues * of speech * composure * wisdom * brevity)

Three virtues of speech: composure, wisdom, brevity.

Suí cech sochoisc.

(a sage * every * easily taught one)

Anyone who can be taught is wise.

Do-léici gó do fhír.

(yields * untruth * to * truth)

Untruth yields to truth.

A rigne is messu don gaís.

(its * slowness * (that) is * worse * for the * wisdom)

The worst of wisdom is its slowness.

Suthain cach flaith lasa forbaither fír.

Suthain cach flaith lassa forbaither fír.

(everlasting * every * ruler * by whom * is achieved * truth)

Every ruler who attains justice endures.

Is cert cáich amal a nert.

(is * right * of each one * as * his * strength)

One’s right is as one’s strength.

Is maith cech dál dia ticc síd.

(is * good * every * meeting * of which * comes * peace)

Any meeting that produces peace is good.