In this post, we will show you some of the best proverbs on life from Nigerians.
1. The same Sun that Melts Wax is also Capable of hardening Clay.
This proverb speaks about perseverance. It tells us that no problem that you are going through will last forever. This proverb teaches us that the problems we are going through can inspire us to succeed if we take charge of it. The situation is ever permanent. By just believing in ourselves and taking some necessary steps.
If there is a situation that keeps you down, that same situation can be a source of strength to create a new world for yourself.
2. It takes a whole village to raise a child.
This is one proverb that has been heard all over the world. There have even been TEDx talks on it by Oluwadamilola Adelowo and Liz Lian. The meaning of this proverb is that the growth of a child has something to do with his environment and the entire community with which he interacts daily. It means the behaviour, character and personality of individuals are programmed to them when they were younger by their environment and community.
3. A hunter with one Arrow does not shoot carelessly.
First, before knowing the meaning of this proverb, imagine these scenarios.
- You are broke, and you only have a little cash in your hand.
- You only have a month to live.
- You only have one pair of shoes to wear to work every day.
The meaning of this proverb is, people tend to be wise and careful when they have just a little. But careless when they have much. The proverb says even if we have a lot, we should not be careless and foolish because no one knows tomorrow.
4. Love will always be better than the whip.
The meaning of this proverb is everyone wants to be love. If there is one thing that all humans share, it is the desire to be important to someone.
5. What you give, you get, ten times over.
This proverb is similar to a verse in the bible. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (NIV)” This proverb encourages us to always give, try to help others in their time of need, because you also can one day be in need.
6. In the moment of crisis, the wise build bridges and the foolish build dams.
Instead of going bull on a problem, we can take a wise and creative approach. When trying to solve some problems, it will be wise to think of a simpler way to solve the problem. Most people think fight and war is the solution to everything, and whereas just talking and listening to one another could have more effect and will require less effort. When trying to solve a problem next time, think of the most creative and simplest part to solving it, with the same or better end result.
7. Hold a true friend with both hands.
If there is one thing that is hard to find but most people take for granted is trust. Trust one thing that has to give out, because if you give it out to the wrong person, it can have repercussions of unmeasurable understanding. If you find a true friend that you can trust, make sure you nurture that friendship always. Hold a true friend with the left hand of flexibility and the right hand of firmness. A true friend is more precious than a diamond.
8. A single forest does not make a forest.
We are stronger and more likely to succeed when we work together. Trying to make it in life without the help of no one is like trying to drain an ocean with a teaspoon. We all need help to get to the next stage of our life. Just like how teamwork leads to a higher success rate, we need help from people to get to the next stage of our life.
9. Hot anger is not capable of cooking yams
The meaning of these proverbs is no matter how angry someone is, it cannot cause fire, eventually, that person will calm down. This means that forgiveness is important. As we forgive those who wronged us, we can receive forgiveness when we wrong someone else. We should remember at all times, that no one is above making mistakes.
Author
Hi, I’m Abraham, a software engineer and a writer. I have been a software engineer for 3 years and a Writer for 2 years. In the coming years, I hope to expand my knowledge in the IT sector by studying Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and being one of the best writers.
Some other things I love so much are photography and watching movies, and trust me, I have watched many movies.