Proverbs

One head cannot hold all wisdom.

Foolishness first, then wisdom.

The words of the elders are blessed.

Be as familiar with observation as you are with the place you live.

A zebra takes its stripes wherever it goes.

Don’t fight a lion with a stick.

Don’t reply one wrong with another.

Don’t praise tomorrow because tomorrow praises itself.

Man is always beaten by his own tricks.

It is impossible to find a man who has everything, but it is possible tofind one who enjoys the things he has.

Home is not far away when you are alive.

It is the belly which daily gives thanks.

The withered tree will destroy the healthy tree when it falls down.

The eye cannot penetrate darkness.

The daily path never ends.

The village which is not discussed is not built.

A proverb does not answer itself.

Life has seasons.

You cannot force water up a hill.

You know what to say, but you do not know what you might be told.

Friendship likes distance.

Do not sweep someone else's home while yours is dirty.

Daylight follows a dark night.

Happiness is as good as food.

Selected Proverbs from the book Wisdom of Maasai by A. ole Oloisolo Massek and J.O. Sidai, published in 1974. This page also includes proverbs found in the book The Maasai by S.S. Sankan, published in 1971.
copyright 2004