African Proverbs

                              

Proverbs are an integral part of African culture. Passed on from generation to generation for centuries, they are still in wide use today and are very much part of everyday speech.

Proverbs are used to illustrate ideas, reinforce arguments and deliver messages of inspiration, consolation, celebration and advice.

SOME AFRICAN PROVERBS

The great Nigerian author Chinua Achebe once wrote: "Proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten."

Someone with a sense of humour is never at a loss for words or action. A Somali proverb 

The elder who eats without sharing will carry his own load to the house. A Yoruba proverb, Lagos, Nigeria

You stand on a crooked branch to cut a straight one. An Akan proverb 

The path of a liar is short. A Swahili proverb sent by Zakayo Ndiritu, Nairobi, Kenya

Clay pots are meant to be fragile yet they survive the heat of the kiln.  Uganda Proverb

A sheep that wants to grow horns should ask the ram how its neck feels. An Igbo proverb Nigeria

People shouldn't be given advice at their departure time but on their return. A Nuer proverb  Juba, South Sudan,.

A roaring lion kills no game. South Africa, and Nigeria proverb

A hyena will not change its spots even if it moves to a different forest. Malawi proverb

Teeth have no enemies. A Nuer proverb, South Sudan, and Ethiopian

A red-eyed lion does not attack. A Madi proverb from Adjumani, Uganda

When a fowl perches on a rope both the rope and the fowl feel uneasy. A Yoruba proverb, Okeluse, Nigeria

Courtesy is not slavery. A Swahili proverb Mombasa, Kenya

Teeth can only bite when they work together. A Somali proverb

If you throw a stone at a wall it will bounce back to you. An Akan proverb, Kumasi, Ghana

Poverty has no roots but it has tendrils. A Kikuyu proverb Kenya

A heart is like a tree; it grows wherever it wants. A Shona proverb from Zimbabwe 

The rabbit is in the veld that you underestimate. An Oshiwambo proverb Oshakati, Namibia

If a man says he will swallow an axe, hold the handle for him. A Fulani proverb  Kaduna, Nigeria

The hyena says: 'All roads lead to a village.' A Nuer proverb from South Sudan

Truth and teeth should both be polished. A Somali proverb

Little by little, as we drink we make plans. An Akan proverb Ghana

The palm nut that goes into a mortar won't leave without a scar. Enugu, Nigeria

To wait is not to tremble. A Kikuyu proverb, Nairobi, Kenya

When a lion eats a bad person and it is not killed, next it will eat a good person.  Juba, South Sudan

If you want to see an old person's teeth, give them sour palm wine. An Igbo proverb, Anambra, Nigeria

A mother holds a knife by the blade. A Sepedi proverb Pretoria, South Africa

The person who gossips with you will gossip about you. Mogadishu, Somalia

A lamp is not valued in the afternoon but it's appreciated at night. A Yoruba proverb  Ikire, Nigeria

Sitting is a male calf while travelling is a female one. A Nuer proverb, South Sudan

A baby on its mother's back does not know the way is long" Igbo proverb Nigeria

One who borrows a cloth does not dance proudly". An ‪#‎Igbo‬ proverb, Anambra State, Nigeria
The fool speaks the wise listen.