Nilotic Proverbs

Nilotic proverbs distill Nile-side oral wisdom from East African herders. They honor cattle, lineage, and age-sets, guiding courage, generosity, and survival through drought, raids, and long migrations.

No matter how early one awakes, the sun does not rise first. (Nilotic Proverb)
Only the feet of the voyager know the path. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
Remember, after the storm there will be a rainbow. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
The hunter knows his prey. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
The hunter that speaks too much, goes home empty handed. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
The injured animal is covered with flies. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
The wisdom of the elderly is like the sun, it illuminates the village and the great river. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
The youth walks faster than the elderly but the elderly knows the road. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
There is more wisdom in listening than in speaking. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
Where a river flows, there is abundance. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
Where the cattle does not graze, the warriors pass. (Nilotic Proverb)
Where there is a hippopotamus, be careful when passing with a pirogue. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
Who does not know the path should ask. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
Who listens to the voice of the elderly is like a strong tree; who turns a deaf ear is like a twig in the wind. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
Who mistrusts everybody is the real enemy of the village. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
Words can kill before arms. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
Working in the fields is hard, but hunger is harder. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
Youths talk first and then listen, the elderly listen and then talk. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
A father without sons is like a bow without arrows. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
A friend is like a source of water during a long voyage. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
A friend is like a water source for a long journey. (Nilotic Proverb)
A friend is someone you share the path with. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
A friend works in the light of the sun, an enemy in the dark. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
A generous man must eat if he wants to continue to be one. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb
A guest is a gift, a thief a tragedy. View proverb
Nilotic Proverb