Wise Nigerian proverbs and their meaning
Nigeria proverbs are the pride of not only Nigeria but of the whole of African culture as well. They offer one with teachings of wisdom in just a sentence. Proverbs have a deeper meaning that give them their sweetness. This article will offer you Nigerian proverbs and meaning to make you laugh your hearts out as well as influence your lifestyle. Some may sound provoking, but no contesting that they define the African society belief systems as well as principles. Below is a collection of wise Nigerian proverbs .
Funny Nigerian proverbs
1. A man being short does not make him a boy
The Nigerian proverb means that an African man will forever be the head despite of their height or skin tone. A man in Africa is a very respected being for they play a big role in a family. This is the reason why the Nigerian woman are always respecting their men.
2. Even if a goat has a frown face, it cannot lack a buyer at the market
The Nigerian proverb means that you should not be happy about someone’s disability. They have the ability to achieve what you have at the moment and even more. This proverb teach the Nigerians not to be happy with someone’s failure because success is not for the chosen few
3. The same sun that melts wax is also capable of hardening clay
This proverb has a powerful meaning that greatly inspire many Nigerians. It means that the problems you are currently undergoing right now will inspire you to desire success. No situation is permanent and one day you will give testimonies on how life was back then. You have the power to change the bad situation into a successful situation just by believing in yourself. Never lose hope and never let anyone discourage you.
4. Hot anger is not capable of cooking yams
The proverb means that a man’s anger cannot cause fire no matter hot it can be; it cools down. Therefore, it is always wise to forgive those who have wronged you because you will also need their forgiveness at one time. Everyone does mistake and no matter what, you will find yourself doing a mistake as well.
5. If you sleep with itching anus, you will definitely wake up with your hands smelling
This proverb means that they is nothing dirty that you do privately that won’t come out. For instance, a thief has numbered days and at one time people will know what they actually do for a living. The proverbs tries to teach the Nigerians that they should try their best to do what is right, you can’t be perfect though you just can’t break the rules knowing very well what your doing is wrong.
Nigerian proverbs about life
1.Horses have four legs though there often fall.
The Nigerian proverb means that fear to failure should not be a reason for anyone to fail to chase their dreams. For instance, you can never become a business mogul if you are afraid of loses; you have to invest hoping for the best outcome. This means that you should always be strong because in life there are up and downs. One man said that failing is usually the ground to your success and therefore keep moving and you will achieve your goals.
2. If life has beaten you severely and your face is swollen, smile and act like a fat man.
The proverb means that in life, you should always try your best to make the best out of it no matter the circumstances that you are going through.
3. That man that has one eye will only thank God if he or she sees a man that is blind.
The Nigerian proverb means that you should appreciate whatever you have in life. This is because others wish to have what you have.
Nigerian proverbs about Love and marriage
1. Love will always be better than whip
This proverb means that everyone desires to feel loved, but the funny bit is that some cannot reciprocate by giving love to others. When you love someone, you will always want that person ever happy and joyous to an extent of feeling pain when he or she is hurt. Love is a special feeling that is indescribable. A couple with joined with love is inseparable.
2. The habits that a child forms at his or her home will determine how they behave in their marriages.
This is one of the Nigerian proverbs about family. It means that if a child grows in a family that is full of love, then he or she will grow knowing that love is the key to a happy marriage. It teaches the Nigerians that a child learns their habits from home and they should at least try their very best to teach what is right. If parents have an abusive language then that is what a kid will do in their marriages.
3. If you marry beauty then you should know that you married trouble.
This Nigerian proverb means that if you marry get married to a person because of their physical beauty, the marriage will not last. It is best if you marry someone that you love. For instance, if you marry a girl because of her beautiful face then her face burns accidentally, will you still desire to be with them? However, if love you someone, nothing can separate the both you; just death.
4. If a woman gets married twice, they can never tell on the beauty of marriage
This proverb needs a bit of meditation for you to fully understand its meaning. The love Nigerian proverb means that if you are eyeing on a number of guys or ladies, then it means that there is a possibility that you will never even settle.
5.That man that dream too marry a woman with many admirers might end up not marrying at all.
The Nigerian proverb means that love is the only thing that bonds and strengthens a marriage. If you want your dream guy or lady to have certain physical qualities such as height or skin tone, it is vital that you know that you might end up not getting a perfect one.
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Common Nigeria proverbs on hard work and goals
1. A short man can only be able to hang his bag to that point that their hands can reach.
This is one of the Nigerian proverbs and wise sayings on hard work. It means that you have to work hard to live that life that you desire. If you don’t have it right now, work hard and be contented with what you have. Yes, you desire to live a posh lifestyle, to succeed in your career, to own a mansion and the latest car models; you need to work hard to avoid living a fairy tale life.
2. A tortoise is the only animal that carries it shells, their house, along with it because of fear
This Nigerian proverb means that you can only succeed in life if you believe in yourself. Fear will make you to never venture in any new thing. For instance, if you fear investing your money into a certain business, then you will never add profit on it. This is because you will put your money to rest in the bank or your pocket; avoid fear to become prosperous.
3.Whenever you give, be sure of getting over 10 times
This Yoruba proverb that means that you should desire to give than to receive. This is because when you give you add more blessings into your life.It is a wise Nigerian proverb. So many people out there cannot provide their basic needs and you should be responsible in at least offering them with whichever small thing you have.
Famous Nigerian proverbs on trust
1. Always hold a true friend with both of your hands
The Nigerian proverb means that you should not let go of a true friend. It is not always easy to find a genuine friend who is with you through thick and thin. Most of your friends are faking it and don’t be surprised if they one day turn to be your worst enemies. The best thing to do is to learn your friends and never allow yourself to lose that genuine friend no matter what.
2.You can never know when a chicken sweats because of their feathers.
This is one of the examples of Nigerian proverbs on trust that means you can never know the true colors of a person if you don’t get to know them better. Pretenders are always there and it is your role to learn your true and genuine friends.
3. Where you fall, you should know that it is God who pushed you
This is one of the Nigerian proverbs with a religious meaning. It means that God can only allow you to face challenges that you can be able to handle. God will never push you into a challenge that He knows that you cannot face. Trust in God and you will definitely overcome that challenge or that temptation.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
