Harry Terhanian.com

hahmesht yegheer vor sohrvees, huhnazahnt yegheer vor hedehvees, sahd luhsseh yehv keetch khosseh, hahrtz uhreh yehv badashkhan luhsseh, muhdahdzeh ou yertoum ehrreh, misht sheedak jahmpah hedeveh (eemashtoutioun yehv ahrakeenoutioun)

Be humble so that you can learn, be obedient so you can follow, listen much and talk little, ask questions and listen to the answers, think deeply and make a vow, always walk the straight path (the path of knowledge and virtue).

To know wisdom and instruction, and to perceive words of understanding.

The first sentence translated into Armenian from the Bible (Prov 1:1) soon after the invention of the Armenian alphabet in AD 405.

What value is knowledge of things that be
If we ignore our brothers’ misery
Seeing the hungry, we should share our food
Dedicate our life to virtue and good

Eat not creatures with eyes and family
Refrain from flesh and treat all lovingly
Practice always minimal violence
Be ever a beacon of tolerance

Empathy guides us to the golden rule
Live by compassion and love, be not cruel
Do unto others as you want them to you
Throughout your life all goodness will accrue

You know well how much trouble mean men make
Cause no pain to others for your own sake
Plant many seeds of compassion with love
Live always in peace like a gentle dove

With honesty learn that life comes from life
All misery is born from bitter strife
Celebrate blessings of gentle living
Walk the path of affectionate giving

Virtuous behavior is a life’s must
Then people will give their unflinching trust
Behave impartially with friend and foe
Later you might need them, you never know

We are linked all in one big family
God the pure father is our ancestry
Brothers and sisters inhabit the same tree
May we now live forever peacefully

Men of Virtue hear the words of the wise
Cherishing goodness and seeing through lies
They live honestly with no ruse or guise
The path of virtue is their greatest prize