Top 12 Quotes & Sayings by Moses ibn Ezra

Explore popular quotes and sayings by a Spanish poet Moses ibn Ezra.
Last updated on April 20, 2025.
Moses ibn Ezra

Rabbi Moses ben Jacob ibn Ezra, known as Ha-Sallaḥ was a Jewish, Spanish philosopher, linguist, and poet. He was born in Granada about 1055 – 1060, and died after 1138. Ibn Ezra was Jewish by religion but is also considered to have had great influence in the Arabic literary world. He is considered one of Spain's greatest poets and was thought to be ahead of his time in terms of his theories on the nature of poetry. One of the more revolutionary aspects of Ibn Ezra's poetry that has been debated is his definition of poetry as metaphor and how his poetry illuminates Aristotle's early ideas. The impact of Ibn Ezra's philosophical works was minor compared to his impact on poetry, but they address his concept of the relationship between God and man.

Spanish - Poet | 1060 - 1138
Dive into the sea of thought, and find there pearls beyond price.
A book is a most delightful companion. It gives, and does not take.
Lust should be stifled, for it cannot lead to truth. — © Moses ibn Ezra
Lust should be stifled, for it cannot lead to truth.
Love blinds us to faults, hatred to virtues.
A proverb has three characteristics: few words, good sense, and a fine image.
Beware the man who has two faces and two hearts.
Bitter is wine, but it sweetens all bitterness.
The man who persists in knocking will succeed in entering.
Words are like bodies; meanings are like souls.
I went out into the garden in the morning dusk, When sorrow enveloped me like a cloud; And the breeze brought to my nostril the odor of spices, As balm of healing for a sick soul.
Who ignores the time walks in darkness, and who explores it is illumined by a great light.
Sorrow shatters my heart; And men distress it with blame, Because it follows love.
This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. More info...
Got it!