Proverbs are popular wise sayings containing words of advice or warning. However, all the wise sayings are not proverbs. Some of them have been lost or merely remain as quotations. Here are a few proverbs with their meanings for your knowledge bank.

Charity begins at home.

Charity does not mean necessarily only giving money, food or other help to people in need. It also means love of fellow men. If children begin to love those who are near to them, they will learn how to love their fellow men in later years, and help them in their need too.

The child is the father of man.

The character of a child shows what sort of a person he/she is going to be as an adult.

Children should be seen and not heard.

Children are expected to remain silent in the presence of their elders. They should speak only when they are spoken to. This was something that was strictly adhered to in the past.

Christmas comes but once a year.

During the Christmas festival people eat, drink and spend lavishly. While indulging in such behaviour we must also help the poor. This type of feasting doesn't take place everyday.

Circumstances alter cases.

Circumstances can change the situation of many things. For instance, a rich man who agrees to pay for your higher studies may not be able to do so if he goes bankrupt.

Cleanliness is next to godliness.

This reminds us how important it is to pay attention to personal hygiene and clean clothes.

Clothes do not make the man.

You cannot judge people by the dress they wear. However, another proverb says, "Fine feathers make fine birds". That means you can judge a person by his clothes. Such contradictory proverbs are common in English.

Coming events cast their shadows before.

Sometimes we see signs of events that will take place in the future.

Comparisons are odious.

It is unfair to compare two persons. They have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Conscience does make cowards of us all.

If you have a quality conscience, you are always afraid. Therefore, keep your conscience clean.

A constant guest is never welcome.

We like our friends when they visit us.

However, if they start visiting us very often, they become a nuisance.

A contented mind is a perpetual feast.

Contentment of mind brings lasting happiness.

If you crave for more material wealth, you will destroy your

happiness.

Courtesy costs nothing.

Always behave in a polite manner. You lose nothing by doing so.