Part 3: On cageyness, caution, moderation, patience, and prudence

F

Intemperate dandyism lands a youth in a creditor's farm as a pawn.

Sit back and you will see how a devious person operates; conceal yourself and you will hear how those who seek others' destruction speak.

Keep your red blood inside and spit out clear saliva.

Liken one thing to another, liken one matter to another; forgive and forget and earn people's praise.

Keep your troubles inside and laugh heartily; keep your hunger hidden and pretend to weep from satiation.

Jump this way, jump that way is the way a frog breaks its thigh.

44. This proverb is sometimes used as a criticism of deceitful people who appear to be friends but are full of ill will: Ọmọ aráyé fẹ̀jẹ̀ sínú tutọ́ funfun jáde (Human beings keep their blood inside and spit out clear saliva).  [Back to text]