Yoruba proverbs, known as ọ̀rọ̀, are the cornerstone of Yoruba wisdom and cultural expression.

These concise yet profound sayings encapsulate generations of lived experiences, offering guidance, moral lessons, and astute observations about life, relationships, and society. Rich in imagery and symbolism drawn from nature, human behavior, and spirituality, ọ̀rọ̀ serve not only as a means of communication but also as a powerful tool for education and social cohesion within the Yoruba culture. Delve into the depth of Yoruba (Nigeria) philosophy with these twenty common proverbs and their insightful interpretations.

1. Ọmọ tí a kò kọ́, ní yóò gbé ilé tí a kọ́ tà.

• Translation: The child who is not taught will sell the house that was built.
• Meaning: Proper upbringing is essential; without guidance, one may squander valuable legacies. 

2. Gbogbo alangba lo d’anu dele, a kò mọ eyi t’ínú n rùn.

• Translation: All lizards lie flat on their stomachs; we don’t know which one has a stomach ache.
• Meaning: People may appear fine outwardly, but everyone has their hidden struggles. 

3. Ile la ti n ko eso re ode.

• Translation: Charity begins at home.
• Meaning: One’s behavior in society reflects their upbringing at home. 

4. Ọwọ́ kan kì í gbé’gi.

• Translation: One hand cannot lift a heavy load.
• Meaning: Teamwork and cooperation are necessary to achieve significant goals. 

5. Igi gogoro máa gùn mi l’ójú; láti òkèèrè la ti ń yè.

• Translation: A tall tree doesn’t poke me in the eye; one avoids danger from afar.
• Meaning: It’s wise to anticipate and avoid potential problems early. 

6. A kì í mọ ibi tí a ti kùn ún jàre.

• Translation: You cannot trace where you started knitting.
• Meaning: It’s often difficult to remember the beginning of something intricate. 

7. Ogún ọmọdé ò lè ṣe eré fún ogún ọdún.

• Translation: Twenty children cannot play together for twenty years.
• Meaning: Nothing lasts forever; situations and relationships change over time.

8. Èdè tí a kò gbọ́, à gbọ́, kò le f’ìgbàlà wá.

• Translation: The language we do not understand cannot save us.
• Meaning: Understanding and effective communication are crucial for problem-solving.

9. Agbára ò kì í ṣe ara.

• Translation: Strength does not respect the body.
• Meaning: Power and authority can be harsh, regardless of personal feelings. 

10. Ile oba t’o jo, ewa lo bu si.

• Translation: When a king’s palace burns down, the rebuilt palace is more beautiful.
• Meaning: Adversity can lead to improvements and better outcomes. 

11. Òwe l’esin òrò, bí òrò bá sọ̀nu, òwe ni yóò wáa fi inú àlùjo.

• Translation: A proverb is the horse of conversation; when the conversation is lost, a proverb can convey it.
• Meaning: Proverbs are essential tools for effective communication. 

12. A kì í fi ìkánjú lá ọbẹ̀ gbígbóná.

• Translation: One does not rush into hot soup.
• Meaning: Patience is important; hasty actions can lead to harm. 

13. Má wo àgó aláago iṣẹ́.

• Translation: Don’t look at the time of work (of others).
• Meaning: Focus on your own work and effort, rather than being concerned with how others are working.

14. Àgbà kì í wà lọ́jà kí orí ọmọ tuntun wọ́.

• Translation: An elder does not stay in the market and allow the head of a newborn to be bent (out of shape/not properly cared for).
• Meaning: Elders have a responsibility to guide and care for the younger generation, ensuring they are on the right path and protected from harm or negative influences. Their presence and wisdom should prevent the young from going astray.

15. Àìsínílé ologbo ní ilé di ilé ekute.

• Translation: The absence of a cat makes the house become the home of rats.
• Meaning: When authority or a controlling presence is absent, disorder and undesirable elements will take over. It highlights the importance of leadership and supervision in maintaining order.

16. Òkú ò mọ iye aa ra agọ̀.

• Translation: The dead does not know how much the casket costs.
• Meaning: People often don’t appreciate the efforts made on their behalf. 

17. Ẹni tó bá fi iṣu tí kò jinná gún’yán, o di dandan kó jẹ iyán tó lẹ́mọ

• Translation: It is impossible to avoid eating lumps when one prepares pounded sweet potatoes with half-done sweet potatoes.
• Meaning: Don’t rush processes; allow things to mature properly.

18. Ìhòhò dodo làgbàdo ńwọ ilẹ̀; tó bá jáde tán, ló ńdi onígba aṣọ

• Translation: Unclad, the maize seed bursts forth from the ground with multiple coverings. With hope, you have yet to see your best.
• Meaning: Patience and hope lead to eventual success.

19. Ìjì layé; tó bá fì síwájú, á tún fì sẹ́hìn ni

• Translation: Life is like a storm; if you go forward, you’ll go backwards, and vice versa. As one season ends and another begins, remember that nothing lasts forever. Never lose hope.
• Meaning: Challenges are temporary; perseverance brings better days. 

20. Òkun kì í hó ruru, kí á wà á ruru

• Translation: In a stormy sea, do not paddle erratically. You must be patient when it comes to dealing with difficult situations.
• Meaning: Stay calm and composed during challenges; rash actions can worsen situations.