African Proverbs and Wisdom

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Akili ni ndonge.
Sheng (Kenya)
English translation: Use of brains begets wealth.

Wax soxu fetal la; su reccee, dabu ko wees.
Wolof (Senegal)
English translation: Words are like bullets; if they escape, you can’t catch them again

Ichifulala uka si chitisi kulemesha inzuusi
Fipa (Tanzania)
English translation: One who bathes willingly with cold water doesn't feel the cold.

Akili ni mali.
Swahili (Kenya)
English translation: Use of brains begets wealth.

Amaadhi amasabe tigamala ndigho.
Soga and Ganda (Uganda)
English translation: Water that has been begged for does not quench the thirst.

Kud mbelawa a hada a hwad
Mafa (Cameroon)
English translation: The tears of the orphan run inside.

Anyeminu ni le kusum le, ledzi moni ke onukpai yeo nii.
Ga (Ghana)
English translation: The brother or sister who does not respect the traditions of the elders will not be allowed to eat with the elders.

Kitacakari nyakook ewonit ngibaren.
Toposa
English translation: An empty stomach can make a person lose his or her cattle; that is, when the stomach is empty the legs become weak and you can't run after your animals.

Anayeoga maji kwa hiari yake hata hisi baridi.
Swahili (Tanzania)
English translation: One who bathes willingly with cold water doesn't feel the cold.

Ngora inlingino nanine; ndobagi nalobehe ngoba.
Nuba-Tira (Sudan)
English translation: Cows are born with ears; later they grow horns.

Chigau ndi ku mupozwa.
Tonga (Malawi)
English translation: Young growing cuttings determine a good harvest of cassava.