Solomon ibn Gabirol quotes

Solomon ibn Gabirol was a Jewish philosopher and poet from medieval Spain, renowned for his influential works in both Hebrew poetry and philosophy. His writings combined deep religious themes with innovative philosophical ideas, leaving a lasting impact on both Jewish and Christian thought. He is also remembered for his philosophical treatise "The Fountain of Life" and his enduring legacy in Jewish literature. Here are 19 of his quotes:

The test of good manners is to be patient with the bad ones.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

As long as a word remains unspoken, you are its master; once you utter it, you are its slave.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

Jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

Your secret is your prisoner; once you reveal it, you become its slave.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

Kings may be judges of the earth, but wise men are the judges of kings.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

I before Thy greatness Stand, and am afraid All my secret thoughts Thine eye beholdeth Deep within my bosom laid.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

A wise man's questions contain half the answer.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

Plan for this world as if you expect to live forever; but plan for the hereafter as if you expect to die tomorrow.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

Many men hoard for the future husbands of their wives.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

All men have one entrance into life, and the like going out.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

My friend is he who will tell me my faults in private.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

I am better able to retract what I did not say than what I did.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

One is punished by the very things by which he sins.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

Thou hast created me not from necessity but from grace.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

And when I was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth, which is of like nature; and the first voice which I uttered was crying, as all others do.

Solomon ibn Gabirol

If you want to keep something concealed from your enemy, don't disclose it to your friend.

Solomon ibn Gabirol