المال السايب يعلم السرقة

El mal el sayeb ye’allem el serqah



Translation: Loose money teaches theft.

Meaning: Always err on the side of caution. Even if you believe that no one would steal your money, it's best to keep it in a safe place rather than leave it in the open. This proverb is still in use and sometimes refers to corruption in government. When the government has poor oversight, public servants may be tempted to take advantage of that.

Source: Egyptian Proverbs, (Al-Ahram Center for Translation and Publishing, 1986) by Ahmed Taymour Pasha

Translated by: Nabil Shawkat



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