«كُتْكُتْنَا وَلَا حَرِيرِ النَّاسْ»

The saying ranks whatever a person truly owns above anything finer held by others. Even the coarse tow left over after one's own flax is combed is treated as worth more than silk in someone else's possession, because what is one's own carries a dignity that outside splendour cannot supply.

Behind the preference lies a moral of contentment and self-respect, not praise of poverty for its own sake. Relying on others' goods can leave a person indebted and exposed to reminders of the favour done. Being satisfied with one's own modest share keeps one free of that burden and the humiliation of accepting help.

Suitable when someone turns down a generous offer, another person's luxury, or dependence on others, choosing instead to make do with modest means of their own. It works as a self-respecting justification for independence and can gently reprove someone tempted by another's wealth.