PROVERB 136

Except From   A discussion of 250 Deep Yoruba (African)  Proverbs
by
Alaba J. Babalola

Available for Sale at: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/9785946703

Printed in Nigeria hard copies available for N10,000.00 plus shipping cost via alabababalola8@gmail.com

PROVERB 136
What a person has is what he cherishes. Even the son of a wood seller values the bark of trees.

TEASER THOUGHTS
Not valuing what you have is the root of covetousness. Covetousness is the root cause of many bad behaviors - stealing, adultery, self loathing etc. People who cherish what they have are generally happy.

YORUBA ROOTS
Ohun a ni laa nnani. Ọmọ ashẹgita nnani epo'gi.


EXPLANATION / MEANING
Clearly the message here is about contentment. A person should not only value what he already has, he should also cherish it. To cherish is to hold something dearly or affectionately as one's own. The opposite is to detest or despise it. If a person detests his job or source of living, he is not likely to concentrate his mind and effort on it or perform well in it. If he cherishes the car he bought from his hard earned money, he is likely not to covet other people's car or wish to snatch it out of their hands. The proverb does not discourage a person from being ambitious or from seeking greater achievements. It means that one should be satisfied in the short term with his personal possession. The advantage of that has already been mentioned.
The proverb lays emphasis on the fact that people of small means such as the son of a wood seller with apparent limited sources do cherish what most people will consider valueless - the remnant or residue of wood cuttings, which he sells for money to take care of his personal needs. He cherishes it as a source of living. Therefore if the son of a wood seller can do this, there is no excuse for a person who is generally well off.

MORE
This is an exhortation for everyone who wants to lay a good foundation for a modest and happy life based on contentment and self appreciation.  There is a proverb with similar meaning, but with more emphasis on desires for lustful or worldly pursuit at the expense of one's well-being - (see proverb 127 in this volume - Okele gbigbẹ pẹlu alafia.....

DEFINITIONS
Ohun - Something (N),or thing.
A - We (PR) - A contraction of Awa (We / Us), or one person representing everyone               else - as normally translated
Ni -To have (V), or possess
Nnani -To Cherish (V), or To Value
Ọmọ - Child (N), or Son
Ashẹgita - Wood seller (N)
Epo'gi -Bark of trees (N)

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