Ancient Nigerian inspirational proverbs offer wisdom, guidance, and life lessons that inspire good character and enrich daily living.
At their core, these proverbs are more than just words; they are tools for reflection and self-improvement. They teach patience, kindness, integrity, and the importance of unity. Elders often share them in conversations, ceremonies, and storytelling sessions to help younger generations understand the principles that shape good character. Whether addressing challenges, relationships, or personal growth, these proverbs provide insights that remain relevant in daily living.
The beauty of ancient Nigerian inspirational proverbs lies in their ability to speak to people of all ages and backgrounds. They offer guidance for making wise decisions, remind us of our responsibilities to one another, and encourage resilience in the face of life’s difficulties. By reflecting on these sayings and applying their lessons, anyone can find inspiration and clarity to live a balanced and meaningful life.
Ancient Nigerian Inspirational Proverbs
[1]. Never argued with an old man that talks with parables because you will never know when your questions have been answered.
[2]. A monkey that wants to see the hunter's face will one day receive bullets in it face. Give way immediately you sense trouble.
[3]. When you see a man diligent on his way marks him; he shall one day stand in front of kings and not meek men.
[4]. Bitter cola is so bitter yet people eat them with respect. What's good can still be found in a bad person; so stop discrimination.
[5]. You can force the cow to the stream but you can't force him to drink the water.
[6]. Beware of the naked man who offers you cloths.
[7]. The future belongs to the risk takers, not the comfort seekers.
[8]. Do not associate with heavy drinkers of wine or with gluttonous eaters of meat.
[9]. A toad does not run in the daytime for nothing. It’s either, its running after something or something is running after the toad.
[10]. When you hang around a girl you love without saying anything, soon you will be serving guest during her wedding.
[11]. That a ram takes some steps backward during a fight does not mean that he is afraid. He is only gathering momentum to lunch a fresh attack.
[12]. When three men slept with a woman on the day she became pregnant, then the real father of her offspring becomes a matter of investigative journalism.
[13]. A hen that swallow beans will see it in the eyes of it children.
[14]. When a handshake passes the elbow it becomes a wrestling match.
[15]. A mad woman did her sign of the cross both front and back because she doesn’t know where the blessing will be coming from.
[16]. By their fruits, you shall know them. A man is not defile by what goes into him, but what comes out of him.
[17]. The first experience you should gather in life is that nothing good comes easy; so be courageous no matter what.
[18]. No matter what you do in this world people must talk about you, so do what make you happy and live it to God to judge.
[19]. When a fowl start chasing you in the morning, you had better run because you never can tell if it has grown teeth overnight.
[20]. Many people say Chameleon walks too slowly, but Chameleon says it walks step by step and any step it walks it studies the environment.
[21]. The ends they say justifies the means.
[22]. Every garden egg is reddish in colour unless it is not heated by the sun.
[23]. A brave man is not the one who has no fears but he who triumphs over his fears.
[24]. It's said that "When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat".
[25]. When a little boy has made money, the elders will acknowledge and visit him.
[26]. If you want to go fast walk alone but if you want to go far; walk with others.
[27]. Don't judge people by their appearance.
[28]. The toad likes water but not when it is boiling.
[29]. When you see a rat playing with the tail of a cat, you need not ask if the rat want to join its ancestors.
[30]. Never work in the association of mediocre.
[31]. The stream that forgets its source will run dry.
[32]. Patience is the oil that makes life’s journey smooth.
[33]. The eyes that watch closely will see opportunities.
[34]. The ear that listens gathers wisdom.
[35]. The road to success is walked step by step.
[36]. A good name is better than a sack of gold.
[37]. He who asks questions will not miss the way.
[38]. A home built on peace will stand for generations.
[39]. Wisdom is the lamp that lights the darkest path.
[40]. The mouth that speaks truth will sleep peacefully.
[41]. The hand that gives never lacks.
[42]. A child who learns early walks ahead of his mates.
[43]. The heart that forgives lives in peace.
[44]. A tree with deep roots fears no wind.
[45]. The one who plants today will harvest tomorrow.
[46]. Silence is also a form of wisdom.
[47]. The goat that follows the sheep will learn to graze.
[48]. When the eyes cry, the heart is heavy.
[49]. A strong family is the shield of life.
[50]. The palm tree grows taller because it stands firm.
[51]. The wise man counts his words before speaking.
[52]. The fish that swims against the current becomes strong.
[53]. Where there is unity, the load is lighter.
[54]. A soft answer cools an angry heart.
[55]. The broom sweeps well when its sticks are bound together.
[56]. The one who refuses to work should not expect to eat.
[57]. The sky is wide enough for all birds to fly without collision.
[58]. The tortoise may move slowly, but it always reaches its destination.
[59]. The farmer’s sweat today is the feast of tomorrow.
[60]. Wisdom is wealth no thief can steal.
[61]. A river that knows its source will never run dry.
[62]. The hand that washes another becomes clean as well.
[63]. The candle loses nothing by lighting another.
[64]. The seed you sow will be the fruit you reap.
[65]. Respect opens doors that strength cannot.
[66]. The bird that wakes early catches the fattest worm.
[67]. The lion does not fear the noise of the forest.
[68]. The ears of a wise man are always open.
[69]. A man’s character is his greatest fortune.
[70]. The mouth that eats must also speak gratitude.
[71]. The hand that refuses to give will not receive.
[72]. The snail moves slowly but leaves a trail.
[73]. The one who greets the elders earns blessings.
[74]. The drum that sounds well is made by patient hands.
[75]. A quarrel between brothers is settled by the family.
[76]. The eye cannot forget what the heart remembers.
[77]. The ladder you climb today may be the one you need tomorrow.
[78]. The ant builds its home little by little.
[79]. The wise man learns from the mistakes of others.
[80]. The hen does not forget the place it scratches.
[81]. The tree that bends will not break in the wind.
[82]. A friend is a mirror to the soul.
[83]. The market is big enough for everyone’s goods.
[84]. The water you give to others will quench your own thirst.
[85]. The one who respects the road will not get lost.
[86]. The sun does not rise for one person alone.
[87]. The hand that plants a tree is blessed by its shade.
[88]. The wise man looks before he leaps.
[89]. The yam that is roasted in patience will be sweet.
[90]. A smile is the shortest distance between two hearts.
[91]. The stone that is thrown in anger may break a friendship.
[92]. The roof that shelters others will also protect its owner.
[93]. The river that flows gently still reaches the ocean.
[94]. The one who walks with the wise will become wise.
[95]. The voice of truth may be quiet but it is strong.
[96]. The tree that provides shade to strangers earns blessings.
[97]. A kind heart is a light in the darkness.
[98]. The bird that forgets how to fly will be caught easily.
[99]. The one who digs a pit for others may fall into it.
[100]. The wisdom of yesterday guides the steps of today..
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