๐ŸŒฟ Share this page

The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
Welcome to the real Africa—told through food, memory, and truth.

Christmas & New Year in Africa

FOOD PROVERBS

Do not invite evil to sit at your table then cry

The proverb is a reminder that we are not helpless victims of our circumstances. We have the power to choose our own company and our own path in life.

African Elders will tell you do not invite evil to sit at your table then cry because your life is hard.
If you keep painting the devil on the walls, he will by and by appear to you in person.

The African proverb Do not invite evil to sit at your table then cry is a warning against the dangers of associating with negative people and behaviors. The proverb teaches that if we choose to surround ourselves with people who are negative, toxic, or destructive, we will eventually reap the consequences of those choices. 

We can apply this proverb to many different areas of our lives. For example, if we choose to associate with people who are always complaining, we will likely start to complain more ourselves. If we choose to associate with people who are always gossiping, we will likely start to gossip more ourselves. And if we choose to associate with people who are always making bad decisions, we will likely start to make bad decisions ourselves. 

The proverb also teaches us that we are responsible for our own choices. If we choose to invite evil into our lives, we cannot blame anyone else for the consequences of those choices. We must take responsibility for our own actions and make better choices in the future. 

The proverb is a powerful reminder that we have the power to choose our own destiny. If we choose to surround ourselves with positive people and behaviors, we will create a positive life for ourselves. But if we choose to surround ourselves with negative people and behaviors, we will create a negative life for ourselves. The choice is ours. 

African proverbs have paved the way to success for many Africans. They also provide a safe haven for many people in challenging circumstances to develop and thrive.

Good does not always come from good as the 13 African proverbs below make known.

Here are 13 do not invite evil to sit at your table then cry African proverbs.

Good comes to better, and better to bad.

He pulls at a long rope who desires another’s death.

Soon ripe, soon rotten.

Do not invite evil to sit at your table.

A good dog never gets a good bone.

To rude words deaf ears.

No flies get into a shut mouth.

Living a man knows not his soul dead he knows not his corpse African proverb.

He does a good day’s work who rids himself of a fool.

After the act wishing is in vain.

After mischance everyone is wise.

In the land of promise, a man may die of hunger African Proverb.

What is bad for one is good for another.

He is lucky who forgets what cannot be mended.

He that has no ill luck grows weary of good luck.

The proverb is a call to action. It challenges us to choose positive people and behaviors that will help us create a better life for ourselves. The next time you are tempted to associate with negative people or behaviors, remember the African proverb Do not invite evil to sit at your table then cry. Choose wisely, and you will create a better life for yourself.

More African Proverbs from the motherland.

  1. Your Attitude African Proverbs
  2. What is an African Proverb
  3. Do not invite evil to sit at your table then cry
  4. Mean Coworkers African Proverbs
  5. Having Faith African Proverbs

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

African Recipes Organized by Meal Time

African Drinks & Beverages

Snacks & Appetizers

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Desserts

Photo of Ivy, author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

A Legacy Resource, Recognized Worldwide

For 19 years, The African Gourmet has preserved Africa's stories is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives, the world's premier guardian of cultural heritage.

Trusted by: WikipediaEmory University African StudiesUniversity of KansasUniversity of KwaZulu-NatalMDPI Scholarly Journals.
Explore our archived collections → DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17329200

View citations →

Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

Loading revolutionary recipes...
African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

More African Reads

African Ancestors and Atlantic Hurricanes: Myth Meets Meteorology

Survival of the Fattest, obese Europeans starving Africa

Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa by Land Area (2025 Update)

African Proverbs for Men About the Wrong Woman in Their Life

Ugali vs Fufu — What’s the Difference Between Africa’s Beloved Staples?

Charging Cell Phones in Rural Africa

Beware of the naked man who offers you clothes African Proverb

African Olympic Power: Top 10 Countries with the Most Gold Medals | The African Gourmet

Perfect South African Apricot Beef Curry Recipe

Usage of Amen and Ashe or Ase and Meaning

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

Before You Buy Land in Africa: 8 Critical Pitfalls Every Diaspora Member Must Avoid

Aloe Vera: Nature's Pharmacy | African Science & Folklore

Imhotep: Folklore, Wisdom & The Egyptian Search for Order

Kei Apple Recipes: Traditional African Fruit Cooking & Folk Science

Korean vs African Cuisine: Fermentation, Fire & Flavor Bridges - The African Gourmet

African Wrestling Traditions: Dambe, Evala & Senegalese Laamb Explained

African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.