proverbs

39. Jikko dana soppiku jaan walbatiku màtt boroom ba. (2,3,5,6)
Character transforms into a serpent and bites its master.
The character of a person can be harmful to himself.
A certain woman is particularly demanding and quarrelsome. After a certain time her
husband sends her back to her parents. Her father, who knows her well, tells her this
proverb.
40. Xam nit, xam jikkoom a ko gën. (2)
Xam sa waay, xam jikkoom a ko gën. (19)
It is better to know a person's character than to simply know him.
Choice
41. Wat a gën wef. (4,6)
It is better to shave your hair than pluck hairs out.
“You're between the devil and the deep blue sea.”
“You're between a rock and a hard place.”
“Better lose the saddle than the horse.”
You should choose the lesser of two evils.
Co-operation
42. Benn loxo du tàccu. (2,3,5,6,7,20)
One hand cannot clap.
People who share a common interest need to work together to achieve a common goal.
43. Janax yu bari duñu gas menn pax. (18)
Many mice do not dig the same hole.
“Too many cooks spoil the broth.”
It is not practical for several to do the work that only requires one person. When we do not
have the same interests, then the results of calling others to help where we could have done
it on our own risk being mediocre. This is often used by the facilitator of a meeting to
prove that working in smaller groups is more efficient than working in large groups.
44. Lu kenn mën, ñaar a ko ko dàq. (2,6)
What one person can do, two can do better.
“Many hands make light work.”
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one
falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no
one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how
can one keep warm alone Though one may be overpowered, two can defend
themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
NIV)
45. Sanqaleñ yu bari men nañoo watat janax ju dee. (18)
Many ants can drag a dead mouse.
“Many hands make light work.”
“Little strokes fell great oaks.”
“There is strength in numbers.”
“United we stand!”
“Strength through unity.”
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