El mal entra a brazadas y sale a pulgaradas

The  literal translation of this proverb is:

    "The evil enters with strokes and leaves in pinches."

An equivalent English saying is:

    "Mischief comes by the pound and goes away by the ounce."

Another Spanish expression

Al desdichado hace consuelo tener compania en su suerte y duelo.

Literal translation: The unlucky one finds consolation in being accompanied by his luck and in his pain.

Meaning of the phrase: Two in distress makes sorrow less.

Spanish Proverb: A Dios rogando y con el mazo dando.

Translation: To God begging and with the mallet giving.

The interpretation of this Spanish proverb according to the Real Academia de la Lengua is: 'pray to God but also do your part'.

Some Spanish proverb web sites suggest that an equivalent English proverb would be ‘God helps those who help themselves’.

Try telling that to the shopkeepers whose premises were looted in the London riots of 2011!