It is almost New Year and if you are like me, you are probably in the middle of creating new goals and resolutions, especially in the area of money, health, love, and work. African proverbs are simultaneously poetic and wise; conveying ideas, lessons, and insights, usually from old to young. They are a perfect reminder of old age values that are a perfect guide for this time of year.
These 10 African proverbs can serve as inspiration as you set new intentions and as daily affirmations in those areas once the new year begins.
On Community & Support
- Be a mountain or lean on one – Somali proverb
On Self-care & Truth
- Even the lion, the king of the forest, protects himself against flies – Ghana
- Birds sing not because they have answers but because they have songs – African
(attributed to Maya Angelou)
On Giving & Service
- Do a good deed and throw it into the sea – Egypt
On Work & Perspective
- You must attend to your business with the vendor in the market, and not to the noise of the
market – Benin
On Love
- Where there is love, there is no darkness – Burundi
On Health
- Those who are at one regarding food are at one in life – Malawian
On Money
- He who has people is richer than he who has money – Nigerian (Igbo)
- Make some money but don’t let money make you – Tanzania