African Proverbs and Sayings:
Simple & Direct Advice on Living a Good Life

African proverbs and sayings contain a lot of wisdom and inspiration.

Many different African countries have their own unique proverbs that have existed for centuries. Most come from small villages in Africa where material goods are scarce and the people live simple lives.

Therefore the true value of these African proverbs are really found in their simplicity and directness. They can teach us many lessons, such as how to get along with one another and why this is important; how to live contentedly which promotes peace and serenity; how to live a more successful, fulfilling life without hurting others - or ourselves.

Meaningful African Proverbs and African Sayings

A wise man who knows proverbs, reconciles difficulties.

Interpreted Meaning: If you can understand the meaning and lesson behind a proverb, you will understand where your problems begin and how to resolve them.

Rain beats a leopard's skin, but it does not wash out the spots.

Interpreted Meaning: This is most recognized as "You can not change a leopard's spots." Basically, it is believed that people don't change. In truth though, if you really want too, you can become more enlightened and change your thoughts and perceptions, which in turn will change your "spots."

The moon moves slowly, but it crosses the town.

Interpreted Meaning: Think of Aesop's story of the Tortoise and the Hare... even if you move slowly toward your goal, you will eventually get there. Fast doesn't always equal best.

When a king has good counselors, his reign is peaceful.

Interpreted Meaning: Listen to those that are wiser, more experienced, and have achieved success in their lives in a moral and ethical manner. Then apply what you learn. Don't listen to those who would give you bad advice just to hold you back.

No one tests the depth of a river with both feet.

Interpreted Meaning: Take the time to do your "homework" when considering a new proposition. Don't jump in blindly without due diligence.

If you understand the beginning well, the end will not trouble you.

Interpreted Meaning: Work out a step-by-step strategy of what you want to accomplish. Break it down into tiny steps and understand the path that you want to take.

To engage in conflict, one does not bring a knife that cuts - but a needle that sews.

Interpreted Meaning: Use understanding to resolve conflicts, not criticism and harsh words.

Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.

Interpreted Meaning: Find and put together a mentor team to help you with your goals. A forward looking, positive, supportive group will help you reach success faster than going it alone. In other words, there is strength in numbers.

Do not step on the dog's tail and he will not bite you.

Interpreted Meaning: Help others and they will help you. If you run rough-shod over others, they will become embittered and bite back.

A chattering bird builds no nest.

Interpreted Meaning: I think this is one of the best African proverbs; stop talking about what you want to do in life... you need to begin doing it! If you don't begin, you can never have what you want.

Little by little grow the bananas.

Interpreted Meaning: Every small step you take toward what you want to have, be or do, gets you closer to your goal. Sometimes, it takes time for the "fruit" to ripen, but it will in the end.

A single bracelet does not jingle.

Interpreted Meaning: Sometimes it takes many to affect a change.

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

Interpreted Meaning: We learn and grow when times are tough. The lessons learned can then be applied to make things smoother and easier. If you never have opposition, how can you begin to understand what works and what doesn't?

Unless you call out, who will open the door?

Interpreted Meaning: When required, ask for help. You won't receive it unless you let people know that you need their assistance. And when you ask, doors of opportunity often open.

Move your neck according to the music.

Interpreted Meaning: Go with the flow. Keeping your "neck stiff" and unyielding only leads to strain and pain.

When you see clouds gathering, prepare to catch rainwater.

Interpreted Meaning: This is similar to the saying "make lemonade out of lemons." Be prepared to look for opportunities to "catch" and turn into something useful when you see problems surfacing.

He who does not cultivate his field, will die of hunger.

Interpreted Meaning: Ideas are your seeds, but you need to "plant" those seeds in "fertile soil" in order for them to grow and produce results. If you don't nurture yourself and your ideas, how can you expect to prosper?

Knowledge is like a garden: if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested.

Interpreted Meaning: Too many people gain knowledge in a few or many subjects, but never do anything with that knowledge. What good is it to know something and not use it to better yourself or others from that knowledge? Just filling your head with information is useless unless you put it to good use.

We will water the thorn for the sake of the rose.

Interpreted Meaning: You can't have a beautiful flower like the rose without dealing with some thorns along the way. In the same way, a good life is filled with "thorns" that you need to remove or overcome, but is well worth the effort in the end.

A little rain each day will fill the rivers to overflowing.

Interpreted Meaning: Don't try to do everything at once. A steady pace - constantly taking small steps toward your goal - will help you achieve what you want to accomplish. Also, taking small steps can help you to avoid or overcome problems that may arise before they become too overwhelming.

Until the lion has his or her own storyteller, the hunter will always have the best part of the story.

Interpreted Meaning: There are always two parts to every story. The person telling his portion will always be the one to make it sound as if they were the victor against terrible odds - or the victim of some horrible deed. Everyone embellishes their version of a story. You can't know the truth of the matter until you hear the other half. Then, usually the real truth is somewhere in the middle.

I hope you enjoyed reading these African sayings and African proverbs. Take their wisdom to heart and do your best to live by them. In the end, not only will you be a better person, but you will improve the quality of your life too.

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