Introduction
A special feature of this website is to circulate worldwide an “African Proverb of the Month.” Our plan to is post an important proverb from a different African country every month. We use a simple format that includes: first, meaning and use of the proverb; second, biblical parallel; and third, application of the proverb. African proverbs of previous months are found under “Resources” starting with the June, 1998 “African Proverb of the Month.” You are invited to send an African Proverb to the moderator@afriprov.org to be posted on this website. We hope this can be a participatory website. Welcome.
 | Giriama : Mjeni loka mwenyeji apone English: It is obvious when you receive a visitor and you cook for him or her you will eat too Swahili :Ni kawaida ukipata mgeni na umpikie,nawe pia utakula. French: Ilest indubitable que le visiteurrégalebien le visité. |
Giriama (Kenya) Proverb
 | Yessera itta kkalli iharali. (Burji) Jina nzuri ni bora kuliko harufu nzuri. (Swahili) Mieux vant un bonne nomque, une bonne adeur. (French) A good name is better than a nice scent. (English) |
 | Maborei kuinet ab teta moitantanyin. (Kalenjin) Pembe ya ng’ombe haiwezi kuua ndama yake. (Swahili) Une corne de vache ne peut pas tuer son veau. (French) A cow’s horn cannot kill its calf. (English) |
 | Ya basapudi yona bubutule. (Luba--Katanga) Wambea wavunja mawasiliano kati ya familia. (Swahili) Les bobards de gens detruisent les relations familiales. (French) Tall stories destroy the family relationship. (English) |
Luba--Katanga (Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC) Proverb
 | Omurhabana ye cinamula ezagwire. (Havu) Muvulana ndiye husimamisha nyumba zilizoanguka. (Swahili) C’est le garçon qui relève les maisons détruites (en ruines). (French) It is the boy who lifts up the fallen houses (ruins). (English) |
Havu (Democratic Republic of Congo -- DRC) Proverb
 | Abaguma bobalwa amatumu. (Mashi) Ndugu wakisikizana vizuri wanashinda adui kila mara. (Swahili ) Les frères qui s’entendent bien ils arrivent toujours à vaincre l’ennemi. (French ) Brothers who get along will always defeat the enemy. (English) |
Mashi (Democratic Republic of Congo -- DRC) Proverb
 | Omuti ogwinamile tiguhendwa muyaga. (Haya) Mwanzi hauvunjwi na upepo. (Swahili) Un arbre flexible ne se casse jamais avec le vent. (French) A soft tree is never broken by wind. (English) |
Haya (Tanzania) Proverb
 | “Kalagu.” “Kize.” “Ng’wiza akajaga ngobo jakwe?”… “Numbu.” (Sukuma) “Kitendawili.” “Tega.” “Mtu mwema huenda (kwa Mungu) na vazi lake”… “Kiazi.” (Swahili) “Je ai une énigme." " Laissez-le venir." “Une bonne personne (va à Dieu) avec ses vêtements….“Pomme de terre”(French) “I have a riddle.” “Let it come.” A good person (goes to God) with his or her clothes?” … “Potato.” |
Sukuma (Tanzania) Riddle
