อาบน้ำร้อนมาก่อน

Proverb: อาบน้ำร้อนมาก่อน (āb nám rón mā kàwn)
Literal Translation: "(The elderly has) Taken a hot bath before."

Description: This Thai proverb, derived from the longer phrase "ผู้ใหญ่อาบน้ำร้อนมาก่อน" (phū yài aap nám rón mā kàwn), advises that individuals, especially teenagers, should heed the wisdom of their elders. The essence of this saying is to emphasize the importance of learning from those who have experienced life before us. Elders often possess valuable knowledge and insights gained through their own trials and tribulations.

However, in today's world, where information is readily accessible and technology provides a wealth of resources, there is a counterargument: แต่รู้ใหมว่าน้ำร้อนไม่ควรอาบ (tàe rú mǎi wâa nám rón mâi khuā aap) which means, "That one (with a decent amount of brain cells) should also know that hot water should not be bathed in." This suggests that while the guidance of elders is valuable, blindly following tradition or outdated advice may not always be appropriate in a changing world.

In essence, this proverb encourages a balance between respecting the wisdom of those who came before us and recognizing that new knowledge and circumstances should also inform our decisions. It highlights the importance of both tradition and innovation in guiding our actions.