Zenys Inspires
Jul 5, 20204 min
Updated: Jun 17, 2023
Words of wisdom are timeless, coupled with humour makes African proverbs hard to ignore and are one of our personal favourites. We all grew up with these sayings because of their practicality to instil wisdom and equip us for life. Overflowing with inspiration, creativity and advice the messages they convey are universal.
Discover the pearls in these sayings and if they resonate with you, then feel free to share, like or comment. Let us also know your favourite African proverb.
There is no problem that is impossible with patience.
The heart has eyes and never forgets how it feels, which is why we must guard our hearts.
If you want to test the water with both feet then you have to be ready to swim. You have to assess your situation first or else suffer the consequences. Like the saying goes; don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Sacrifice and hard work will help you value what you have - it teaches you to be mindful of utilising what you have.
Rather than dwelling on your mistakes look at the cause. Falling is the reaction to what's overlooked, so if you turn a blind eye you set yourself up to repeat the same mistakes.
As the proverbial goes, those that don't listen must feel, this applies to all ages. If you are going to ignore the warnings, the advice, then you're going to feel the consequences. Curiosity must follow common sense.
Excuses, excuses, excuses it never gets the job done. Not taking accountability and the initiative to reach your goals exposes your shortcomings.
Words can never be taken back and hurt a lot more than a slip by the feet. When one loses their footing, their immediate reaction is to regain their posture and oftentimes the incident is forgotten about, but a slip of the tongue can kill one's spirit and soul.
You need to be filled in order to fulfil your purpose, likewise, a sack cannot stand upright unless supported or filled with substance is the same way we as vessels are designed for a purpose.
Relationships like marriage take work. Don't think because you hold it in possession that you're excused from building and maintaining. If you don't crack to see what's inside, how can you enjoy its benefits? The surface does not determine the value likewise it's not the wedding but the marriage that you will experience the greatest reward.
Do not flaunt or take advantage of others because of the power/wealth you have. No one knows how things will end, and it can all be snatched or disappear from you.
Appearance, titles, accolades and wealth can all be deceptive. Favouritising people based solely on these characteristics is not ethical neither is it wise. Instead, weigh the content based on its authenticity and don't be fooled.
Flowering plants and insects exist in a mutually beneficial relationship, but not all insects are beneficial. Your blessings attract insects, some are pollinators and some are parasites, destroying you from the inside.
Time allows all things to be made new. As seasons come and go, so does our emotions. No matter how bad the situation might be, remember it is only temporary, the sun will shine again.
In the grand scheme of things, temporary comfort can be your biggest regret. The way you live today will shape your future so handle every opportunity wisely.
This truism can also be expressed as; to hide a lie, a thousand lies are needed. When you tell the truth, there is no need to recall its variations because it doesn't waver from itself. It stands as truth - it stands alone.
As spiritual beings, our presence radiates; this can be positive, and uplifting or negative and depressing. What you emit stems from your beliefs.
People will ignore the warnings, the advice, the calling, and the alarm and act as if nothing is happening when they don’t want to face the reality of the situation. They resist the call to action only to be comfortable.
Don't underestimate your size. Being small could work in your favour and in certain situations it can be desirable. Learn to be content with what you have but also learn to substitute what you don't have, so if you don't have strength, use strategy.
No matter how much you may try to conceal your baby bump, it will eventually show one way or another. That's the same with character, it cannot be hidden or ignored, it reveals itself under pressure, and when you're alone.
Don’t take extreme decisions over minor issues, you would end up hurting yourself.