A dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

Who KNOWS most, speaks least

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  1666 G. TORRIANO Italian Proverbs 189 Who knows most, speaks least. 1996 p. LOVESEY Bloodhounds xxi. 182 ‘Crafty old sod,’ said Mr. Musgrave. .. ‘What’s the old saying? “Who knows most, speaks least.”’ "speech and silence
  

The KUMARA does not speak of its own sweetness
Maori proverb warning against self-praise (a kumara is a sweet potato).

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  2001 He Hinatore Ki Te Ao Maori A Glimpse into Maori World on www.justice.govt.nz Self-praising is an undesirable trait in traditional Maori society. It is synonymous with the expression ‘kaore te kumara e korero mo tona mangaroa—a kumara does not talk about its own sweetness’ ie, self-praise is no recommendation. 2003 speech in New Zealand Parliament 5 Mar. on www.hansard.parliament.govt.nz I tell Mr Cunliffe that there is an old saying in Maoridom: ‘The kumara never tells you how sweet it is.’.. [I]f one is really so good, one does not need to tell the nation, the nation will tell one. But the nation is not saying that. 2004 weblog on www.publicaddress.net 24 Dec. Now, Arihia would kick me if she knew I was writing this. Kaore te kumara e korero mo tona ake reka—it is not for the kumara to speak of its own sweetness, after all. So I thought I’d give you a few tasting notes. She’s a stellar person, a scholar and mentor without match. 2006 ‘What is Maori Patient-Centred Medicine for Pakeha GPs?’ on www.bpac.org.nz Oct. GPs that use their expertise for the good of others, show a sense of humility and are not arrogant about their position, gain particular respect. ‘The kumara does not speak of its own sweetness.’ "boasting
  

The LABOURER is worthy of his hire
With allusion to LUKE x. 7 (AV) The labourer is worthy of his hire.

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  с 1390 CHAUCER Summoner’s Tale 1. 1973 The hye God, that al this world hath wroght, Seith that the werkman worthy is his hyre. 1580 J. BARET Alveary D697 Digna canis pabulo. .. A Prouerbe declaring that the laborer is worthie of his hire: it is taken as well of the labour of the mind, as of the bodie. 1824 SCOTT St. Ronan’s Well I. x. Your service will not be altogether gratuitous, my old friend—the labourer is worthy of his hire. 1980 Times 4 Mar. 7 Forget haggling. .. The labourer is worthy of his hire. 2001 R. HILL Dialogues of Dead ii. 11 Penn had no difficulty squaring his assertion that the labourer was worthy his hire with using Dee as his unpaid research assistant, but the librarian never complained. ■ employers and employees; money; work