Arabian Wisdom

Arabian Wisdom, subtitled Selections and Translations from the Arabic, is credited to John Wortabet. The contents list names headings such as Repentance, Humility, Patience and Contentment, among others. The introduction says the Arabic language is particularly rich in this kind of literature, and that its proverbs are often appropriately introduced in conversation, letters, and books. The introduction says many of the proverbs are light and colloquial and bring a smile or laughter to both speaker and hearer, but many also are distinguished by their classical form and the serious weighty ideas which they convey or inculcate.

In the Patience section, the text says God is with them that are patient, cites the Koran for God loving them that are patient, and says patience is one-half of religious duty. The Patience section also says there are two kinds of patience, one for something which you desire and the other in something which you hate, and that he is a strong man who can combine them both.