"إذا انتظرت على ضفة النهر وقتًا كافيًا، ستطفو أجساد أعدائك بالمرور."

Here's the thing about this quote: it’s essentially telling you that patience and time can be your best friends, especially when dealing with adversaries or difficult situations. It suggests that if you just hang tight and wait things out, those who wrong you will eventually face the consequences of their actions. It’s a kind of poetic justice. You don’t have to lift a finger—just be patient.

This saying is often attributed to ancient Chinese wisdom, sometimes linked to Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War,” though its precise origins are murky. The idea resonates with the notion of karma in many Eastern philosophies—what goes around comes around. It’s about trusting in the natural course of events rather than seeking immediate retribution or getting tangled in conflict.

Now, let’s bring this to life with a real-world example. Imagine you’re at work, and there’s a colleague who’s always undermining you, taking credit for your ideas, and generally being a thorn in your side. It’s tempting to lash out or try to get back at them. But instead, you decide to bide your time. You continue to do your best work, keep your integrity intact, and avoid getting sucked into their games. Over time, your colleague’s behavior catches up with them. Maybe they get caught in a lie, or their lack of real contributions becomes apparent to the higher-ups. Eventually, they face the music—perhaps they’re even let go. You didn’t have to do anything but wait and let their own actions lead to their downfall.

Applying this wisdom in your own life means cultivating patience and trusting that time will reveal the truth. When faced with someone trying to bring you down, resist the urge to react impulsively. Focus on your own path and let the universe—or the natural consequences of their actions—take care of the rest. It’s about playing the long game rather than seeking immediate satisfaction.

Think about a scenario we’ve all faced: high school drama. Imagine you’re in high school, and there’s a bully spreading rumors about you. It’s infuriating and hurtful, and your first instinct might be to spread your own rumors or confront them aggressively. But instead, you choose to wait it out. You continue being kind, focus on your studies, and nurture your real friendships. Eventually, people see your true character and the bully’s lies start to unravel. They lose credibility, and you emerge stronger, with your dignity intact. It’s hard, no doubt, but sometimes doing nothing but waiting is the most powerful action you can take.

So next time you’re in a tough spot, and you feel like you’ve got to do something—remember, you don’t always have to. Sometimes, the best move is no move at all. Just wait by the river and let time do the work for you.