Africa is known for several things, but the inherent wisdom of the continent’s diverse cultures is often undervalued. We’re doing our part to correct that by sharing sixteen of our favourite African proverbs with you ahead of 2016. Share them in turn.
1. If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a closed room with a mosquito. – Various countries
2. If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there. – Uganda
3. Only a fool tests the depth of water with both feet. – Various countries
4. No matter how many times you wash a goat, it will smell like a goat. – Ethiopia
5. Wisdom is not like money to be tied up and hidden. – Ghana
6. Respect is as big as a cow and a warrior. – Kenya
7. A person’s life is dependent on a listening ear. – Zambia
8. No person is wise at all times. – Somalia
9. Don’t make a goat your friend if your skirt is made of leaves. – Nigeria
10. An intelligent enemy is better than a stupid friend. – Senegal
11. The heart of a fool is in his mouth and the mouth of the wise man is in his heart. – Ethiopia
12. If someone called ‘Nakedness’ promises you a piece of cloth, you should listen to his name. – Ghana
13. One who hides sickness will not be cured. – Malawi
14. A good name is better than a good perfume. – Ethiopia
15. It is better to be a lion for a day than to be a sheep all your life. – Ghana
16. A man doesn’t go far from where his corn is roasting. – Nigeria
What other African proverbs can you think of? Sound off in the comments.