Kassem Hojeij and the Story Behind the Proverb: “He Who Hasn’t Tasted the Glue Doesn’t Know the Story”

Kassem Hojeij and the Story Behind the Proverb: “He Who Hasn’t Tasted the Glue Doesn’t Know the Story”
“The Meaning and Significance of the Proverb”
The proverb “He who hasn’t tasted the glue doesn’t know the story” describes someone whose seemingly irrational reactions stem from an experience others cannot fully understand or appreciate.

“The Origin and Story Behind the Proverb”
When asked about this proverb, historian Kassem Hojeij shared the following tale:
“A traveling carpenter from Jabal Amel repaired various wooden items.

One day, after finishing his work in a village, he asked the homeowner for his payment. Instead of paying, the man falsely accused the carpenter of attempting to assault him and his wife.

The carpenter, shocked and desperate to defend his innocence, offered to forgo his payment but continued to face accusations.

In frustration, the carpenter grabbed a pot of boiling glue—used for fixing wood—and threw some at the man’s face, causing severe burns.

Fearing retaliation, the carpenter fled. However, the injured man rallied his relatives to pursue the carpenter. Cornered, the carpenter climbed a tree for safety.

The group decided to climb the tree by forming a human ladder, with the burned man at the base. As they neared the carpenter, he threatened to pour the remaining boiling glue onto the injured man.

Terrified, the man fled, leaving his companions to fall from the tree, injuring themselves. When asked why he ran, he replied:
“He who hasn’t tasted the glue doesn’t know the story!”

“The Proverb’s Cultural Message”
Hojeij explained:
“This proverb highlights how deeply personal experiences shape a person’s behavior, often making their actions incomprehensible to outsiders.

It serves as a reminder to avoid judging others hastily, as their reactions may be tied to experiences that only they truly understand.”