A continuation of the Yoruba proverbs that have been from time immemorial and lingers on, their tranlations, meanings, usage, and definitions.

PROVERB 2: Bi omode ba subu a wo iwaju, bi agba ba subu a wo eyin

TRANSLATION

If a child trips and falls he looks forward, if an adult falls, he looks backwards

MEANING

This proverb seeks to emphasize the importance of reflection or retrospective thinking. It explains that if a little child falls he looks forward to see either who saw him fall and probably making jest of him, or who wants to help him up. Whereas for an adult when he falls, he looks back to see what tripped him or made him fall, so as to avoid a repeat of such in the future

USAGE/EXAMPLE

Yoruba adults use this proverb most commonly when a child has made a mistake (often regarding to choice or behaviour) in the past, and faced with a new challenge or opportunity is about going down that same path

DEFINITIONS

Omode = child, Subu = fall, Wo = look, Iwaju = front/forward, Agba = adult, Eyin = back/backwards

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Watchout for the next ancient, undying Yoruba proverb tomorrow, same blog, same author....... STEEMIT indigenously