an English language question
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Is there a proverb in English about king Solomon the Wise, and his words about an empty jug that can't be refilled from another empty one? What's the proper English translation of this proverb, please.
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I am wondering what it is as well. Where is this found in the Bible? I looked a bit, but don't have time to look properly.
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The meaning of the phrase is that "you can't do something from nothing." Any ideas? (or is the above the actual phrase!?)
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Empty vessels make the most noise Proverbial Meaning: Empty headed, stupid people make more noise than wise, thoughtful people. http://www.englishproverbs.org/wise-words/emptyvesselsnoise.html ------------------------ I'm clueless on an empty jug contained in wise King Solomon's writings ... try reading Proverbs; Ecclesiastes, & Song of songs (Song of Solomon) in the Bible ... he wrote them all. His life story is also summarized in 1 Kings chapters 2 to 11 ...
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Yes, earlier today I was thinking of the Billy Preston song, "Nothing From Nothing." Also in King Lear...the "Nothing" reference. King Solomon had many encounters with jars and stories that went with them. Like the judgement of the jar of honey and gold. The Elisha story of the widow who had nothing, or so it seemed. Other jar stories. King Solomon loved honey. He was a magician truly.
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Not jars or vases or jugs... Search "cisterns" and "Proverbs" here... You'll have to convert the old english into contemporary english... Prov.5 [15] Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. [16] Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Prov.8 [24] When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. [29] When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Prov.9 [17] Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. Prov.11 [25] The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Prov.17 [14] The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. Prov.18 [4] The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. Prov.20 [5] Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. Prov.21 [1] The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Prov.25 [21] If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: [25] As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Prov.27 [19] As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. Prov.30 [4] Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? [16] The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough. Sort that one out!
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Thanks. The Polish proverb translated literally (word by word) into English: "Z pustego i Salomon nie naleje." "From (an) empty (jug, jar, cistern) even Solomon cannot pour (any water)" Which means, if you have nothing you can't make something from it, or - you can't make something from nothing, even if you're very wise and clever.
