Studying African Proverbs teaching social justice and global issues may be difficult to understand without first developing an inner awareness of self and local customs.
African Proverbs are often difficult
to understand because they often refer to local customs or situations. However, among
the strongest influences for learning lessons from people long on experience
are through a nation's popular proverbs. They come, backed by the authority of
the masses and that which everybody says we instinctively accept as true.
Naturally, there is a tendency among the 54 African nations to make these compact and concise
sayings, carved from real life. African proverbs and sayings are compressed
summaries of practical wisdom, pure condensations
of life-experience.
There are many popular African proverbs which are full of truth and worthy of our study on social issues of hunger, injustice and global piracy of African land.
Formed from the wisdom
of many proverbs are crystallizations of experience, brief expressions of the
wisdom of the ancients. Below are 21 Ancient proverbs worth ruminating over and
studying in-depth.
African Proverbs are often difficult to understand
The labors of the poor make the
pride of the rich.
It is a great way to the bottom
of the sea.
Hope is a good breakfast but a
bad supper.
Soon ripe, soon rotten.
A cat in gloves is a friend to
rats.
In flying from the wolf, he met
the lion.
It is pleasant to look at the
rain when one stands dry.
Let everyone look to himself,
and no one will be lost.
In the land of promise a man
may die of hunger and want.
A hungry belly has no ears.
Chickens are plucked as long as
the feathers last.
Handsome apples are often sour.
See that you tie so that you
can untie.
Better a land ruined than lost.
If you pull one, pig by the
tail all the rest squeak.
He who plants fruit trees must
not count upon the fruit.
Not all bite that shows their
teeth.
Heavy purses and light hearts
can sustain much.
Were fools silent they would
pass for wise men.
Not all are wise who ride
with the King.
Read more facts and food recipes about Africa
Tribal groups in Africa number in the thousands and agriculture is the backbone of the African economy. Learn more about Africa.
