Living at a river, one comes to know the nature of the fish therein; Dwelling by a mountain, one learns to recognize the language of the birds thereupon. (Chinese Proverb)
When you are poor, you will have no visitors even if you live in a crowded city; once you become rich, you'll be surprised by visitors from alleged relatives even if you live in a remote location. (Chinese Proverb)
Words are mere bubbles of water, but deeds are drops of gold. (Chinese Proverb)
A buddha made of mud crossing a river cannot protect even himself. (Chinese Proverb)