Methali za Kiswahili
Discover the wisdom of East Africa through traditional Swahili proverbs
🌟 Proverb of the Day
Meaning: That which is written is what is
Context: Destiny is predetermined
Meaning: Good and evil will not mix
Context: Good and bad are incompatible
Meaning: That which passes, is allowed to pass
Context: Events happen for a reason
Meaning: What is being talked about is here; if it is not here, it's coming along behind
Context: Gossip often has some truth
Meaning: That which is not in one's heart is not in one's eye-sight
Context: We notice what we care about
Meaning: You don't take vengeance on silliness
Context: Do not retaliate against foolishness
Meaning: Public opinion maintains, 'A gentleman is judged by his actions'
Context: A person's character is defined by their deeds
Meaning: The torment of the grave is known by the corpse
Context: Only the one experiencing suffering truly understands it
Meaning: Love your enemy
Context: Encourages forgiveness and compassion
Meaning: The corpse washer knows the defects of the deceased
Context: Some secrets are known only to those closest to us
Meaning: He who praises rain has been rained on
Context: People appreciate what benefits them directly
Meaning: He who thinks he has stood up, should be careful not to fall down
Context: Overconfidence can lead to failure
Meaning: A reserve will not decay
Context: Saving for the future is wise
Meaning: Ability is wealth
Context: Intelligence and skill are valuable assets
Meaning: Brains are like hair, every one has his own
Context: Everyone has their own unique way of thinking
Meaning: Great wit drives away wisdom
Context: Being too clever can be counterproductive
Meaning: He who loves calls one-eyed a squint
Context: Love overlooks flaws
Meaning: He who shines a light on you by day, sets fire to you by night
Context: Beware of those who pretend to help but mean harm
Meaning: Do harm to him who harms you: and fear him who harms you not
Context: A vicious cycle of retaliation
Meaning: Do not wake up one who is asleep; if you wake him up, you will fall asleep yourself
Context: Do not disturb peace unnecessarily