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)

Burji (Ethiopia, Kenya) Proverb

Background, Explanation, History, Meaning and Everyday Use

The meaning of this Burji Proverb is that a good reputation is better than precious things. No matter what the difficulties a person has, a good reputation is of great importance. The proverb urges people to maintain good relations with others in our society because it will be of importance during the times of need.

Biblical Parallels

Ecclesiastes 7:1: “A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of one’s death is better than one’s birthday.”
Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.”

Contemporary Use and Religious Application

Because of the rapid changes in people’s behaviors and also changes in cultural practices in the world today, this African proverb is used as a caution. It also can be used as a warning to many people to maintain good relations with other community members that will be of great benefit to them.

Text by:

Angelique Chelo
(Working with African Proverbs Working Group)
P.O. Box 615191-00200
Nairobi, Kenya
Cell phone: 254-707-367671
Email: angelcheylo@yahoo.com
Photographs provided by:

Professor Cephas Yao Agbemenu 
Department of Fine Arts
Kenyatta University
P.O. Box 43844
Nairobi, Kenya
Cellphone: 0723-307992
Email: cyagbemenu@yahoo.com