Proverbial wisdom

I have been wanting to read the Bible start to finish for a while now. But maybe I should start instead with the Book of Proverbs, at least if they are anywhere near as wise and witty as these secular offerings:

• “Where there is no wine, there is no love.” — Greek proverb

• “Truth and folly dwell in the wine cask.” — Danish proverb

• “In water one sees one’s own face; but in wine, one beholds the heart of another.” — French proverb

• “It is well to remember that there are five reasons for drinking: the arrival of a friend; one’s present or future thirst; the excellence of the wine; or any other reason.” — Latin proverb

• “Wine in excess keeps neither secrets nor promises.” — Spanish proverb

• “Fish, to taste good, must swim three times: in water, in butter, and in wine.” — Polish proverb