10 African Proverbs and their interpretation

Words of our elders are words of wisdom. A child shall learn wisdom and get understanding if he sits beside the elders. In Africa, proverb is a subtle means of expression and it is widely believed that a wise-elderly man uses a variety of which in communicating with his kinsmen. African proverbs are sensitive thus, needed an understanding to avoid misuse and misinterpretation. Here are some important proverb and their interpretation;

1. When a mother goat eats its jaw, the kid will always watch and learn – Your kids learn from your actions.

2. All lizards lay flat thus no one knows the one that is suffering from stomach ache – Be careful of peoples appearance for their intentions are hidden. It can as well mean with a good appearance no one will know your problems.

3. The mouth which eats does not talk – Nobody has the moral right to criticize what he benefited from.

4. A child who said his mother will not sleep will also be awake – You are not at rest when you made someone to pass through stress.

5. An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned in a proverb – Your mind always judges you when a crime you are guilty of is mentioned.

6. A chick that will grow into a cock can be spotted the very day it hatches – To every situation or thing; there is sign of where it is tending to at the early stages if you look critically.

7. No matter how long a log stays in water, it does not become a crocodile - No matter how long you fake your personality, you will always be who you are.

8.  Look for a dark goat first in the daytime because you may not find it at night – Prioritize your goals and pursue them early before it is late to achieve them.

9. When a handshake passes the elbow, it becomes another thing – Be careful when a stranger gets too acquainted or mind when you are been mocked.

10. He who will swallow apple seed must consider the size of his anus– To every action, you must consider the consequence. (An apple seed does not digest in the stomach.)