Part 6: On consideration, kindness, and thoughtfulness

Edot

n k m taf; k ni a fi l ogun? Knn-knn la fi l Boko.
You forbid us to shoot arrows, so with what shall we repel invaders? In the past the Boko were repelled with catapaults.
(It is unhelpful to deprive people of the tools they need for what they must do.)

n fow lgb l ky j.
It is the person who uses his/her money to enjoy life that lives well.
(Money is to be used to enjoy life.)

n lw k e b ba; r wo lahn f fi ow d?
Whoever has riches should act like a king; what kind of feat can a miser perform with money?
(The best thing to do with wealth is to use it to live well.)

n m ow- l low b gb.
It is the person who knows how to use wealth that wealth attaches to.
(Wealth attaches only to those who know how to use it.)

ni t b ma bm y flm.
Whoever would have children of her own must rejoice with those who already have.
(Those who seek good fortune must not begrudge those who are already fortunate.)

ni t gk, k fa r- r lw; ni t r j, k fn r- r j.
Whoever has reached the top, let him or her pull his or her friend by the hand; whoever has food to eat, let him or her share it with his or her friend.
(If one has succeeded, one should give aid to those still struggling.)

ni t br r l f d-i r gb.
Whoever asks about a matter genuinely wishes to know its causes.
(If a person asks about a problem, one should appreciate the gesture and comply.)

ni t a e lore t k dp, b l- kni lr ni.
A person whom one does a favor but who shows no gratitude is like a robber who has stolen one's goods.
(Ingratitude is comparable to robbery.)

ni t so lk- par ; ni t fnni lm- par oore.
The person who adorns herself with beads has done the ultimate in self-beautifying; the person who gives one a child (in marriage) has done the ultimate in favor.
(There are certain gestures that cannot be surpassed.)

ni t e bj yn-n e bj ara-a r.
Whoever defames others defames himself or herself.
(The evil one does to others reflects on oneself.)

yl fi sn-in r pam, e sn ad.
The pigeon hides its own disgrace and goes ridiculing the chicken.
(A person full of flaws insists on finding fault with others.)