Anton Chekov, writer of humorous stories, is also happy in epigrammatic wit.
PROVERBIAL WISDOM
The worst brandy is better than water.
The path to the law court is wide; the path away from it is narrow.
Even when drowning, a man wants company.
Cherish your wife as you would your salvation, and beat her as you would your coat.
A bad peace is superior to a good quarrel.
Spare the peasant your lash, but not his rubles.
Poverty is not a sin, but it’s a great deal worse.
In a storm, pray to the Lord and keep on rowing as hard as you can.