Yoruba Proverbs in Pictures – Part 1 ✨📚

Proverbs are like treasures of wisdom, passed down from generation to generation. The Yoruba people of West Africa use proverbs to teach lessons about life, respect, hard work, and kindness. Take a look at about 5 of the popular ones and learn a lesson or two:

1️⃣ “Ọmọ tó bá mọ́ ọwọ́ wẹ̀, á bá àgbà jẹun.”
👉 The child who washes their hands will eat with elders.
💡 Meaning: If you are respectful and prepared, you will sit with great people.

2️⃣ “Ile la ti n kẹ́ sọ́rò r’òde.”
👉 Charity begins at home.
💡 Meaning: Good behavior and values start from your family before showing in the community.

3️⃣ “Bi omode bá subú, á wo iwájú; bi àgbà bá subú, á wo ẹ̀hìn.”
👉 When a child falls, he looks ahead; when an elder falls, he looks back.
💡 Meaning: Young people look forward with hope, but elders reflect on the past to find wisdom.

4️⃣ “Àìní kì í ṣe ìdí kó máa j’ẹ̀wọ̀n.”
👉 Poverty is not an excuse for bad character.
💡 Meaning: Even if you don’t have much, you must still behave with integrity.

5️⃣ “Ẹni tí ó bá fọ́wọ́ kọ́kọ́, ló máa fọ́wọ́ tán.”
👉 Whoever starts washing their hands early will finish early.
💡 Meaning: If you start your work on time, you will finish quickly and reap the rewards.