Adversity tests the sincerity of friends
An oak and a reed were arguing about their strength. When a strong wind came up, the reed avoided being uprooted by bending and leaning with the gusts of wind. But the oak stood firm and was torn up by the roots.
Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.
Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.
Good things come in small packages.
All of us, the great and the little have need of each other.