American Proverbs

By David Allport

We have all heard ourselves saying these American proverbs. They are as American as apple pie, peanut butter and jelly, and hamburgers. This book shines a bright light into the truth and meaning behind these common sayings of ours. Now using the lens of the Bible to help us see these statements through dialogue, we can understand more accurately if American proverbs contain the truth. The stories are often comical and whimsical but always get to the heart of the matter. As you read each American proverb and the story, you will want to share them with family and friends, and in so doing, you will be imparting the life-changing truths of the Scriptures.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798890433312

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American Proverbs

David Allport

ISBN 979-8-89043-330-5 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89043-331-2 (digital)

Copyright © 2024 by David Allport

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Foreword

Introduction

1

You're Driving Me Up a Wall!

2

Loose Lips Sink Ships

3

What Goes Around Comes Around

4

Do Your Job

5

Don't Throw Stones If You Live in Glass Houses

6

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

7

A Penny-Wise and a Pound Short

8

Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness

9

The Road to Hell Is Paved with Good Intentions

10

Nothing Lasts Forever

11

Nobody's Perfect

12

If at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again

13

Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely

14

Idleness Is the Devil's Workshop

15

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

16

Don't Count Your Chickens before They Hatch

17

There's More Than One Way to Skin a Cat

18

Strike While the Iron Is Hot

19

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

20

Seeing Is Believing

21

Ignorance Is Bliss

22

He Who Hesitates Is Lost

23

The Grass Is Always Greener on the Other Side of the Fence

24

Take It with a Grain of Salt

25

The Early Bird Catches the Worm

26

From Little Acorns, Mighty Oaks Do Grow

27

Where the Rubber Meets the Road

28

Don't Make a Mountain Out of a Molehill

29

Necessity Is the Mother of Invention

30

Haste Makes Waste

31

Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder

32

We'll Cross That Bridge When We Get There

33

By the Skin of My Teeth

34

Don't Bite the Hand That Feeds You

35

Better Late Than Never

36

The Best Things in Life Are Free

37

Let the Cat Out of the Bag

38

If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them

39

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

40

It Is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive

41

Leave Well Enough Alone

42

Blood Is Thicker Than Water

43

Don't Cry over Spilled Milk

44

Better to Be Safe Than Sorry

45

Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

46

Variety Is the Spice of Life

47

Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover

48

A Friend in Need Is a Friend Indeed

49

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

50

Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone

51

Going to Hell in a Handbasket

52

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

53

The Writing on the Wall

54

Curiosity Killed the Cat

55

The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth

56

Practice Makes Perfect

57

Lightning Never Strikes Twice in the Same Place

58

A Fool and His Money Are Soon Parted

59

There Is No Honor among Thieves

60

Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child

61

Don't Put the Cart before the Horse

62

When the Cat's Away, the Mice Will Play

63

God Works in Mysterious Ways

64

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

65

There's No Place Like Home

66

The Apple Doesn't Fall Too Far from the Tree

67

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It

68

Come Hell or High Water

69

The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword

70

The Patience of Job

71

Don't Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

72

You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

73

Early to Bed and Early to Rise Helps Make a Person Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise

74

A Jack-of-All-Trades and a Master of None

75

Piece of Cake

76

It's a Small World After All

77

OMG! Oh My God!

Appendix

About the Author

A clever and unique way to contrast or complement our familiar cliches in light of scripture, this is an enjoyable read for all ages.

Rev. Joe Nettleton

Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Elim Bible Institute and College

In American Proverbs, David Allport takes common sayings together with Bible verses to present short, relatable stories that are easy reading but with a powerful impactful message to our hearts. David has gifts of joy, enthusiasm, a heart to build bridges to people's lives, and passion to share the love of God with stories, music, and humor with all audiences - adults, college students, teenagers, and children. For many years, he has been a teacher, song writer, psalmist, mentor, encourager, and a friend who makes me laugh. Enjoy American Proverbs

Andy Zack

Regional Coordinator of Programs, Volunteers, and Chaplains for the Colorado Dept. of Corrections - Faith and Citizens Program

In American Proverbs, my friend David Allport takes from the Book of Proverbs with all of its wisdom and writes it within the culture and vernacular of today. Chalked full of valuable lessons and insight, this book will open your thinking and bring new light to scriptures in its daily reminders for walking righteously.

Dr. Richard Burkhalter

College Professor/Theologian

Columbus, Ohio

Foreword

The wisdom of the world—in short, bite-sized chunks. God's knowledge, suggestions, and rules for living a happy, successful life in two-sentenced packages. That is some of what I see the Proverbs as.

If I were smart enough to answer God's offer of anything I wanted He will give to me with the wisdom to guide and rule well, believe me, I would have jotted down every concept and piece of advice to pass along to the generations to follow. And that is what Solomon did—and that is what David has done in this handy book for you.

He has then enlivened and expanded on the Proverbs (and some other colloquial clichés) for the benefit of our current generation!

I envision and encourage parents and grandparents to read them to/with their progeny (on your laps or at their bedside) daily. I believe it is vitally important for the sanity and survival of our families and our country!

David has striven to put in your hands a handbook with current, real-world examples and explanations that they definitely are not teaching your little ones in public school!

We thought we met by chance at a poolside table in Myrtle Beach…yet we soon realized it was a God-incidence, and it began a blessed and fruitful bicoastal relationship—man-to-man (one doctor, and one needed to be comforted), iron sharpening iron.

So it is with this treasure of tidbits. You are reading it for a reason, so cherish it and drink in the wisdom of the ages, and for God's sake, please share it with those you love, and then with the world that must be reminded of the Book of books (before it's too late…or we get raptured).

No excuses—it takes three minutes each—there are valuable lessons to be gleaned and timeless information to be heard and digested (and we had better make time now before America crumbles)!

Yours in Christ,

Dr. Derek King

Murrieta, California

Introduction

Haven't we all heard a saying or a phrase that was repeated so many times that it just becomes a part of everyday conversation?

Then over time, that sentence, having been said over and over again, can become a part of our folklore and even our belief system. The sage-filled words can become a part of the way that we connect with others.

Many of these American proverbs have their roots from being said for hundreds of years. It helps us to be more familiar with one another and to earnestly try to get on the same side of the street as our neighbor.

When I was a kid growing up in Upstate New York, I so enjoyed listening to others tell stories and using these American proverbs. Whether it was my barber, my baseball coach, one of the firemen, or the soda fountain attendant that made that wonderful hot fudge sundae with extra hot fudge, each person would skillfully interject the old sayings into the yarn they were spinning.

As you read these short stories that highlight the American proverbs, chances are you'll remember too, as I did with much affection, the people who brought these sayings into our lives.

Also, you will experience so much of the truth as it is found in these short phrases. Of course, not all of the American proverbs have found their roots in the truth that is the Scripture. But that's a part of the fun of this book. You will be investigating just what it is that the American proverbs are espousing as the truth.

I truly hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did in writing it.

1

You're Driving Me Up a Wall!

A fool's anger is known at once,

But a prudent person conceals dishonor.

—Proverbs 12:16

What do you mean you couldn't get the credit card to work right? Jenna squawked at her boyfriend.

I told you that the darn credit card wouldn't go through. I did it seven times, and it wouldn't work! an exasperated Jamal uttered with a dismal face that let Jenna know in no uncertain terms that she needed to back off.

The two of them were already late, trying to get to the Juilliard School of Music in Manhattan using New York's newly renovated subway system.

I tried the darn thing both ways with the chip and also slid it, and nothing seems to work. I also did try it with another card! It looks like this machine is busted.

Well, I've got some cash, but that's all that I have left, and I wanted to get my regular Starbucks venti macchiato with three shots of espresso, but now the only thing I can do is drink water out of the faucet! Jenna moaned with that particular tone of voice that just drove her friend up a wall!

Well, come on now, cough up the cash. We're already going to be late, let's not make it ridiculous-looking!

Jenna fumbled through her purse that looked to Jamal to be more like a small suitcase. Finally, she put the cash into the money eater, and the new machine spit out the tickets with smooth efficiency.

The two music majors plopped down next to each other on the crowded subway.

Jenna was eyeing the way Jamal wore his Yankees fitted hat.

She thought, He just never gets it right. It's always tilted in some weird way, and it just drives me up a wall!

When they got to the lecture hall, they just snuck in through the back door and sat in the very back of the room, not trying to make any kind of noise and disrupt anyone.

They succeeded.

After class, they made a beeline to Starbucks because Jamal had whispered to Jenna that he would spring for her beloved drink she just had to have. He had in his possession a debit card that he knew would go through at the Starbucks scanner.

Jenna's face went into an immediate frown when she took her first sip from the straw made from trees.

"I don't understand why everything has to be so politically correct now. I don't like straws made from paper. They get waterlogged way too easily and then turn flimsy. It just drives me up a wall!"

There was that moaning, catty voice that Jamal just loathed. He found himself rolling his eyes as he turned away from her and chose wisely not to say anything back.

As they were leaving, Jamal realized that it really wasn't Jenna's voice at all that caused him to go sour. He was just using that as an excuse because he saw that he was making a choice to let his attitude go up a wall!

When he mentioned this to his girlfriend, he took responsibility for making excuses for his bad attitudes because he realized that he was blaming someone else for the bad choices he was making.

As they were walking down Park Avenue in New York City, Jenna turned to Jamal and stopped and said, I've been doing the same thing. I've noticed that the way you wear your clothes, sometimes I allow it to bug me, and I don't have to do that. It's just a bad choice I'm making. You're wearing good clothes and expressing yourself the way you like to wear them, even down to the way you tilt your hat. Wasn't it your aunt Cece that said, ‘We all since the beginning of time have struggled with trying to blame somebody else for our own misgivings.'

Then she mentioned how Eve, after she had eaten the forbidden fruit, blamed the serpent; and then Adam, after he had eaten the forbidden fruit, blamed Eve.

Well, Jenna, I can see now that my aunt is right on, and let's you and I make it our business to always see the glass as half full and not make excuses for ourselves when somebody else is doing something that we don't necessarily like, because it's still our choice regardless of what others are doing, to choose what is best and take the higher road.

At this, Jenna took a hold of Jamal and gave him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek and said, We can do this, my love, through the grace of God and having a thankful and humble attitude.

The man said, The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate. The woman said, The serpent deceived me, and I ate. (Genesis 3:12, 13)

The foolishness of a person ruins his way, And his heart rages against the Lord. (Proverbs 19:3)

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. (James 1:13)

2

Loose Lips Sink Ships

Death and life are in the power of the tongue.

—Proverbs 18:21

Maria and Jose knew that they were in for quite the adventure! Their close friend had suggested that they sail to Africa with him on his sailboat.

They each prayed about it for a while and, in their communication with each other, sensed that God was really in this.

Before they knew it, the large sailboat was leaving the South Carolina coast to forge the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

I never had perceived that the ocean was so vast! Maria spoke softly as the sea was calm during the deep-orange dusk.

The butterflies were swirling in my belly yesterday as the ocean swells were getting too high for me! Jose peered at his wife.

He was not a man usually given to much fear, him being a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War.

They had fallen in love with each other, and both had given all of themselves to Christ. They had three children that were off on their own, and now that they were empty nesters, they were really ready to launch out and take this adventure head-on!

Jose and Maria both were no strangers to adventure. They had pioneered a motorcycle club that truly exalted Jesus Christ as God. This club had gone nationwide, and many local chapters had been formed.

So what happened to the Interstate 73 project, do you know why it was stalled? Maria inquired.

It's been on the drawing board for over twenty years to go from Detroit to Myrtle Beach. You would think that they would have at least broken ground in South Carolina?

Jose was admiring the sunset today, which was now in full bloom on the horizon, in deep maroon hues, as he bemoaned the fact of the delinquency of the state DOT and governing officials.

I know, right? With our neighbor North Carolina almost having that highway I-73 completed, you'd think that they would get the lead out down here! Maria mused.

One of my friends in town has told me what he believes is the major stumbling block for the project to get going.

What is it? Maria said with great interest.

He has heard over and over again that the dissension and enmity in the high-ranking officials has thwarted any progress. The backbiting and slander has gotten so out of hand that no one in the capital city, Columbia, really wants the project to get going out of spite for the officials in Horry County.

So, Jose, what are you saying? How long will this go on, do you think?

"It's hard to say, my darling. I do know this: from my time in the army, loose lips sink ships."

Dear, couldn't you come up with a little less frightening expression? Don't you remember where we are right now? Maria exclaimed with a slight sassy smile disclosed.

The rest of their voyage to Africa turned out to be smooth sailing. They both were truly awestruck by how quiet it was at sea and enjoyed the fact that they, unlike the wrangling and subversive speech of the officials and leaders in their home state, had peace and found true intimacy because they had learned to wait and listen to the Lord Jesus for His direction and will.

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3)

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,

But he who restrains his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. (Matthew 12:36, 37)

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! (James 3:2, 5)

3

What Goes Around Comes Around

He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made.

His mischief returns upon his own head.

—Psalm 7:15

Finn, why are you such a slacker? Emma calmly confronted her classmate as the two were supposedly studying American history in the library.

Finn was busy playing the video game that had taken over his life, or so it seemed to his history class pal, who also happened to be drop-dead gorgeous.

Listen here, Student of the Year, as you know, concerning school, I'm just doing enough to get by and stay off the ineligible list for the baseball team.

Yeah, I kinda gathered that. But don't you wanna get a real job someday? Emma blurted out while sipping her pineapple banana smoothie with extra protein. Your chances of making the Major Leagues are pretty miniscule there, buster!

Now wait just a minute there, young damsel. I've got a fantastic curveball, and I can really throw the smoke! Finn actually looked away from his screen to peer into Emma's deep-blue eyes and let her know in no uncertain terms that he was really Major League material, or at least he thought he was!

So then what happened against the Red Dragons of SUNY Cortland? Finn, they knocked you out of the box in the third inning, and this is just division 3 college ball! Now Emma was really staring back at her friend. You are a legend in your own mind!

Well, even the great ones have an off day. I think Babe Ruth even struck out four times in one game! Finn recounted. So how do you keep a 4.0 average and also start on the women's soccer team, with all that travel and everything?

"My mom was always big-time in the Bible, and she said to me that whatever I sowed, I would also reap. In other words, what goes around comes around."

"Come to think of it, that is one of my dad's favorite expressions. He's always telling me that unless I do things a certain way, i.e., the right way, it'll usually come back to me in a way that is not what I want. Like last week when I was home, my brother asked me to borrow some money, and I said to him, ‘Definitely not.' But then, this week when I was short, I asked him if I could borrow a little bit of money. And he told me, ‘Definitely not.' So what goes around comes around—I believe that."

Hey, what are you going to write your thesis paper on? Emma inquired.

The Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. Finn had put his phone away and was totally engaged