It would be interesting to rate aphorisms on a scale of “wisdom per word”. First we ask how important is the life lesson imparted, and then we divide by the number of words contained in said aphorism.
My current favorite is a lyric penned by Joni Mitchell. It comes from her classic song “Big Yellow Taxi”.
The aphorism in question is “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” Only nine words, yet more wisdom than you are likely to encounter from far wordier sources.
What about: “You reap what you sow”