Rather a bitter truth than a sweet lie.
More Russian Proverbs:
Tears come more often from the eyes than from the heart.Russian
Be wise, but pretend to be ignorant.
Russian
Forgiveness is a pillar of justice.
Russian
The belly is like a judge that is silent yet still asks questions.
Russian
A girl never grows into a lady.
Russian
The thief has a chicken's heart -- he sleeps in fear.
Russian