Fridays are known generally for heralding our indigenous ways of life, especially in dressing and music. This is why I, as an indigene of the Yorùbá tribe presents Yorùbá Proverbs. In this post, I present a yorùbá proverb, it's literal interpretation and it's meaning and significance to the yorùbá people, and at times, Africa at large. The Yorùbá people predominantly live in the South Western part of Nigeria, and they speak the Yorùbá language. The theme for today's proverb is honesty and modesty

Ilé tí afi itọ́ mọ, ìrì ni yóò wo

Literal Interpretation

The house that is built with saliva, it takes only the dew to pull it down

Ancient African houses used to be huts built with mud and thatch roofs. They were basically materials that could be readily available, no need for buying at exorbitant rates as it is the practice today. However, imagine if it were possible to substitute mud with saliva when building a structure, is there any reasonable coercive force strong enough to hold the other materials with it to erect a standing structure?

This proverb says it is possible for a man to be so wise or to so cunning to make that happen. However, it cannot stand the test of time. It takes only a little change in weather, or a little shake to pull it all down. The proverb actually relates to those who cunningly, greedily or fraudulently amass wealth. For example robbers, fraudsters, etc. Such wealth is mostly enjoyed within a short time, and it may not even be spent freely, it is often secretly spent and may even be lavished on liabilities rather than assets.

The proverb also refers to a life, career, or business that is built on a lie. It is a matter of time, it will eventually crash and this will result into a life of shame and the condition of that man will be worse than it was before he even got such ill-gotten wealth. It is therefore advised that people follow due process in all they do. Do not cut corners to achieve success; do not bribe your way to pass an examination, do not embezzle funds under your care. Diligence and patience in your endeavours will bring your desired result if only you will keep remain honest and modest.