proverbs

Proximity
549. Dendaale bu doon jariñ, dugub, xob yaa koy laalo. (2,3)
Su dendale doon jariñ, dugub, xob yaa koy laalo. (6)
If proximity was sufficient to be of use to something, then the millet would use its own
leaves to thicken the couscous. People or things that are close are not always in your
proper interest.
[Laalo is a vegetable powder made from the leaves of baobab trees which binds couscous
to make it sticky and therefore easy to swallow.]
Adam and Mary were born and grew up next door to each other. They love each other and
want to marry. However Adam belongs to a caste. Adam’s parents think that the good
situation of their son will break down the customary social barriers. So they send a
delegation to Mary’s parents to ask for her hand in marriage. The delegation reminds them
of their long-standing friendship, and close proximity as neighbours, and of the fact that
the couple have known each other since childhood, so it would be best to allow them to
marry. However Mary’s father responds brutally with this proverb.
Prudence
550. Béy du raas déemi guddi. (2,6)
The goat does not glean jujubes (red dates) at night.
One should not head off for adventures.
551. Bul mere ka la yakkal ci gaalu xaj, boo ca lekkul mu jar ko. (15)
Do not be angry with the person who serves you a dog's bowl. It is sufficient to
refuse to touch it.
552. Def loo man, wax loo xam, boo tëddee nelaw. (2,7,8,9,15,17)
Do only what you are capable of, speak only of what you know, and you will sleep
soundly when you go to bed.
If one is content to live within one's means, and only speak of what one knows for sure,
one will live in peace and happiness.
553. Gumba tal na leneen lu dul tëb i teen. (2,15,16)
Gumba tal na lu dul tëb i kàmb.
Gumbaa ngaak yitte yu dul tëb i teen. (19)
A blind man has other things to do apart from jumping around a well.
Prudence before certain acts to be accomplished is all the more important when the
smallest mistake can lead to a catastrophe.
554. Jaan du tuut, saayu mattee boom. (15)
The smallness of a snake does not prevent its bite being fatal.
One must never minimise a danger.
555. Kenn du wax lu mu xamul. (4)
No one should say that which he knows not.
556. Nëbbul te ne gisuma kenn, waaye bul wax ne kenn gisu ma. (15)
Hide yourself and say, “I do not see anyone”, but don't say, “No one can see me”.
As well as you might hide your actions from others, the eye of society is watching through
cracks that you do not suspect. And your actions will become known and commented on.
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