African Proverbs

Source: Jan Knappert, The A –Z of African Proverbs (London, Karnak House, 1989) One “here-it-is” is better than ten “you’ll get it later”. From Bambara p. 19. It is easier to find trouble than to avoid it. From Congo. P. 23 One finger cannot wash your face. From Congo. P. 26 If the fingers of one hand quarrel, they cannot pick up the food. From East Africa. p.27 People with shoes forget those without. From Kenya P. 41 Do you hear the rumbling in your neighbour’s stomach? From Somali p.48. God gave us the seed of every plant, but we must sow it. From Zande p. 52. God lent us his property here so that we too should lend what we have to our neighbour. From Sawhili p.53. God does not sleep. From Congo p. 53 ----- Proverbs are encapsulated wisdom. My E-Mail: vmalpan@gmail.com