Gray hair is an epitome of wisdom through the experiences of life.
You will be held in high esteem when you are honest, just and kind on your dealing with other people.
The measure of a man's wealth is not by the accumulation of riches but in how he lives his life and effects others positively.
Many years ago, there lived a young man who was brought up by his old parents. They were so poor that the poor called them poor. Adekogbe was the name of the old man. He had been taught by his father that wealth is defense but not everything. The same thoughts Adekogbe handed his son, Adetan.
The couple were married for many years but had no child. He had an option of marrying another woman but kept to his wife, Moremi. When Adetan was born, he became their pride. He was all they had and they cherished and taught him the easiest life path. On several occasion, after supper, Adekogbe and his son Adetan usually seat out of their shed to enjoy the cool breeze and there he tells him ancient tales that will guide his behavior with his neighbours.
One particular night while they were at their usual spot, Adekogbe told Adetan a tale of a farmer who worked so very hard to satisfy his family. Despite working so hard, he had nothing to call an inheritance that he would transfer to his children. The only thing had was the words of his mouth with which he directs his children life.
The fool speaks, the wise listen.
He taught them to always give their ears to listening and slow to speak. That's one way to stay away from trouble.
“If one finger brings oil, it soils all the others.” ~ Chinua Achebe
Your accomplice is a mirror through which your self-worth is measured. Be mindful when choosing who you call you. The friend of a thief is himself a thief, the friend of a prostitute is also a prostitute.
Adekogbe had no mercy with words. He dished it out to son as the only heritage he could offer. When the time came for Adekogbe to settle down rest with his ancestors, he called Adetan once again to their usual abode of tales and said:
A foolish man thinks he knows it all, it's only a wise man that listens to counsel.
For those of us who live in this world, it is paramount to accept the gift of words more than any luxury.
When Adekogbe passed on, his son Adetan lived with the words his father told him. The words of the wise man profit more than silver and gold.