粥凉自然稠
Congee naturally thickens as it cools.
The proverb is used to advise people to be patient and relaxed.

 

种田有谷，养猪有肉
Plough a field, and you’ll have grain; raise pigs, and you’ll have meat.
The proverb indicates that a person will be rewarded according to his diligent efforts.

 

谷足食多，礼义之心生；礼丰义重，平安之基立
There being abundance of grain and plenty of food, moral feeling emanates, and by paying due consideration to propriety and justice, the foundations of peace and happiness are laid.
The proverb emphasizes that disputes and battles come from a lack of basic material resources, and that for there to be long-term stability, justice and fairness must be upheld.

 

种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆
Plant melons, and you get melons; plant beans, and you get beans.
The proverb means that you will eventually have to face up to the consequences of your behavior.

 

春种一粒粟，秋收万颗子
A seed planted in spring will bring thousands of fruits in autumn.
The proverb highlights that people’s hard work will be repaid.

 

暖衣饱食非容易，常把勤劳答上苍
Adequate food and clothing are hard to come by; be industrious to deserve heaven’s kindness.
The proverb indicates that it’s difficult to live a rich life so people should always work hard.

 

布衣暖，菜根香，诗书滋味长
Content in cotton, pleased with homely food, and you’ll find the odes and history always good.
The proverb is commonly used to advise people to live a simple and thrifty life.