Omoluabi Podcast

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 6 Episode 1

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Pípẹ́ ni yó pẹ̀ẹ́, akólòlò á pe baba.” (Translation: “It may take a long while, but the stammerer will eventually manage to say ‘‘Papa.’’”)

REFLECTION

Perhaps this proverb reminds you—as it reminded me—of a stammerer you know. Or perhaps, it reminds you of yourself and your occasional stutter. Stammering can be embarrassing, but the way the stammerer is portrayed in this proverb is as a champion that we should learn from. What kind of lessons can stammering teach us?

1. It’s only a matter of time. Between a stammerer’s stutter and their being able to say what they intend to say eventually, it’s only a matter of time. Likewise, between where you are and where you hope to be—or between who you are and who you hope to become—it’s only a matter of time! That’s the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3, verses 1 and 11.

2. Refrain from giving unsolicited assistance. Whether you are helping someone with whom you are speaking complete their sentence or you are offering your spouse an unsolicited solution to a matter to which they primarily desire your empathy, offering unsolicited assistance can stifle intimacy rather than nourish it. Besides, if stammering nurtures perseverance in us (as the proverb surely implies), offering unsolicited assistance in helping the stammerer complete their statements will kill their opportunity to develop their perseverance further. 

3. There is a blessing in our disabilities and incompetence. God, in His sovereignty, has blessed us with limitations that become tools that shape us into ever-increasing Christlikeness. The more we acknowledge our limitations, the more we will live a life that is fully dependent on Jesus—and the more we will bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

4. Stammering reminds us that failure—even repeated failure—is okay. The stammerer fails again and again before eventually being able to say a word, phrase, or statement correctly, but they don’t give up. Besides, for the stammerer, the fact that they were able to get the word out eventually in one moment does not mean that they will be able to do it again in the next moment. Such should be our disposition in life. No matter how many wins we record, we should not become so familiar with success that failure becomes abhorrent. Failure has always been one of God’s best tools to cultivate in us humility and utter dependence on Him. Perseverance validates failures.


5. Lastly, be patient. Be patient with other (fellow) stammerers, and be patient with yourself. If we are being honest, we will admit that, at the end of the day, we are all stammerers—and that’s okay! We all have one area of life or the other where we stutter. Rather than wanting to cover these up, let us acknowledge them for what they are: portals for God’s power to find expression in our weakness!

Be encouraged by the words of Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV — “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.”

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: 

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 5 Episode 5

PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Ìwà lẹwà" (Translation: "Character is beauty.")

MEANING & ETYMOLOGY

n this enlightening episode, we explore the profound Yorùbá proverb above, which emphasises the deep connection between a person's inner qualities and their external beauty. At the core of being an "Omoluabi" (which breaks down into "Ọmọ tí Olú ìwà bí" -- a child born by the lord of character, i.e., a child of supreme character qualities and virtues) is the understanding that good character is the foundation of true beauty. Character is not merely a facade but a reflection of one's true essence.

CONNECTING PROVERB: We draw a connection to another Yorùbá proverb, "Èéfín nìwà" (Character is like smoke; it is difficult to hide), highlighting that character inevitably shines through and cannot be concealed. Both proverbs emphasise the importance of cultivating and nurturing one's character.

BIBLICAL APPLICATION:

• ✥ We discussed the need to prioritise cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, over being solely focused on manifesting the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). True beauty is found in the character that reflects the nature of Christ.
• ✥ We reference 1 Peter 3:1-3, which implies that the character of a believing wife can have a transformative impact on her unbelieving husband. This underscores the power of character to influence and inspire positive change in others.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• ✥ Character is at the heart of true beauty.
• ✥ The term "Omoluabi" encapsulates the importance of character.
• ✥ Character cannot be hidden; it shines through like smoke.
• ✥ Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit is paramount in our spiritual journey.
• ✥ Character can have a profound influence on relationships.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: Join us as we unpack the wisdom contained in this week's proverb and delve into the moral and spiritual applications it holds.

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 5 Episode 4

PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Èké mọ ilé-e rẹ̀ ó wó; Ọ̀dàlẹ̀ mọ tirẹ̀ ó bì dànù" (Translation: "The devious person builds a house, and it collapses; the treacherous person builds one, and it tumbles in ruins.")

In this captivating episode, we delve into the profound Yorùbá proverb that carries a powerful message about the consequences of deceit and treachery. The proverb paints a vivid picture of the fate that awaits those who engage in underhanded actions, highlighting that their efforts will ultimately lead to ruin.

MEANING & BIBLICAL CONNECTION: We explore the depths of this proverb's meaning, drawing parallels to the story of Job and the wisdom found in Job 5:3ff. Particularly, we anchor our discussion on Job 5:12-13 (AMPC) which reads, "He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. He catches the [so-called] wise in their own trickiness, and the counsel of the schemers is brought to a quick end."

MORAL & SPIRITUAL APPLICATION:

• On a moral level, we reflect on the importance of choosing a path of righteousness and integrity over deceit and treachery. The proverb serves as a reminder that dishonesty ultimately leads to downfall.
• On a spiritual level, we find solace in the assurance that no evil can overcome the believer. This aligns with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT), urging us to love our enemies and live in a manner that reflects the character of God.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The consequences of dishonesty and treachery are depicted vividly in the proverb.
• God frustrates the plans of the crafty and catches them in their own schemes.
• As Christians, we are called to live righteously and extend love even to our enemies.
• Trust in God's protection and be guided by the principles of integrity.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: Join us as we unpack the wisdom contained in this Yorùbá proverb and delve into the moral and spiritual applications it holds.

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 5 Episode 3

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ilé ahun ò gba ahun; ọ̀dẹ̀dẹ̀ ahun ò gbàlejò; ahún kọ́lé ẹ̀ tán ó yọ ọ̀dẹ̀dẹ̀ níbàdí” (Translation: "The tortoise's house is not large enough for it; the tortoise's porch is not large enough to receive visitors; the tortoise built its house and adds a porch at the rear.")

MEANING: In this episode, through the above Yorùbá proverb, we highlight the issue of stinginess and its consequences. The proverb cleverly plays on the word, "ahun" which could either mean "stingy" or (as a contracted form of "alábahun", means) "tortoise." Of course, the tortoise is often depicted as both a stingy and cautious creature in many Yorùbá folk tales.

The proverb is using the morphology of the tortoise as an object lesson. If the tortoise's shell is its house, it would seem that the tortoise but itself a house that is hardly spacious enough to contain himself alone let alone have some spare room (not even a well sized porch) to entertain visitors in.

BIBLICAL APPLICATION: In a world often driven by self-preservation and scarcity mentality, the call to generosity can be challenging. However, the wisdom of both Yoruba culture and the Bible reminds us that true fulfilment lies in giving to others selflessly. When we open our hearts to generosity, we participate in a beautiful cycle of blessings.

Just as the tortoise's limited space denies it the joy of hosting guests, stinginess restricts us from experiencing the joy of enriching others' lives. God designed us to be conduits of His love, and when we share what we have with others, we sow seeds of hope, love, and transformation.

In contrast to the tortoise's morphology, the example of a kangaroo comes to mind. Think of the kangaroo's pouch, with enough room to embrace multiple young ones. When we give without reservation, we create space in our hearts to nurture and support others. Our acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on those around us. We draw parallels from biblical teachings, such as Proverbs 11:24-25 and Proverbs 28:25, that emphasize the principle of scattering and increasing wealth through generosity.

BIBLICAL REFERENCES: ✥ Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV) - "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." ✥ Proverbs 28:25 (NIV) - "The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper."

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Generosity leads to abundance.
• Hoarding and excessive caution can lead to impoverishment.
• Be led by God in giving and trust Him to prosper you.
• Embrace a saving culture but avoid making savings an idol.

ACTION STEPS: This week, let us strive to be more generous and open-hearted. Reach out to someone in need, give even when it pinches, and trust that God will bless your acts of kindness. Remember, true generosity leads to an enriched life.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: Listen to the thought-provoking discussion on stinginess and generosity on our website or other podcast platforms.

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 5 Episode 2

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ajé ní ḿba ojú ọ̀rẹ́ jẹ́.”

ENGLISH TRANSLATION: "It is money that brings a frown to the brow of friendship."

MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The point of this proverb, to put it simply, is that nothing ruins a friendship more surely than the intrusion of money. In other words, money is very sensitive and requires wisdom to manage it properly.

It is often said that the top 3 things that destroy marriages are communication problems, sex-related problems, and money-related problems. We agree. So what attitudes towards money management tend to ruin friendships, partnerships, marriages, and other relationships? We highlighted a few of them in this episode, including:

1. Laziness.
2. Wrong attitude towards Savings and Investment
3. Greed
4. Debts (borrowing and not repaying)

We concluded by recommending a sound stewardship mindset towards managing money.

Scriptures Cited include:

✥ “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)

✥ “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11 (NIV)

✥ “Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.” Proverbs 1:19 (NIV)

✥ “The rich rule over the poor, And the borrower is slave to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ohun tí a rí la fi ḿbọ párá ẹni; Bí igi tíná ḿbẹ lẹ́nu ẹ̀ kọ́.”

ENGLISH TRANSLATION: "One uses whatever one can find to fill gaps in one’s roof; That does not apply to a still-burning stick."

MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The imagery that birthed this proverb is that of a mud hut with a thatched roof in a typical African village. While such a roof may occasionally have leakages, such gaps or leakages could be blocked by virtually anything—anything apart from a stick still spewing flames! The reason is obvious; rather than block a leakage or close a gap in the roof, such a burning stick will end up burning down the entire building!

The implication of the proverb is therefore quite obvious, viz: every seemingly sensible generalization has exceptions. To state it biblically, the fact that something is generally good does not mean it is good for you. 

In the same vein, proverbs, as wise as they may be, are often based on generalisations which will need to be applied contextually, making the  exemptions when necessary lest what was supposed to be wisdom becomes foolishness.

Scriptures Cited include:

✥ 1 Corinthians 6:12 MSG - "Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean that it’s spiritually appropriate."

✥ 1 Corinthians 10:23 NKJV - "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify."

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Àṣá ò gbádìẹ níkọ̀kọ̀; gba-n-gba làṣá ńgbádìẹ”

INTERPRETATION: "What one dare do, one does openly"

MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The imagery that birthed this proverb is hunting; the kite (predator) hunts the chick (prey) in broad day light, says the proverb. In that sense, we can easily see the biblical imagery of the devil going about like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour from the proverb (1 Peter 5:8). The point here is to be watchful; to spot the signs of the devil's tactics and nip them in the bud. This will come by maintaining a vibrant personal relationship with God as well as a flourishing communal fellowship experience. Isolated Christians are easy preys!

The other side to this proverb is the direct point of louding what we are doing, especially when we are persuaded that they are good deeds. In doing this, however, we must be careful to ensure that we are not making this publicity about us but about the God that is at work in and through us.

Scriptures Cited include:

✥ 1 Peter 5:8 CSB - "Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour."

✥ John 7:4 CEV - "No one does anything in secret, if they want others to know about them. So let the world know what you are doing!"

✥ Matthew 5:16 NKJV - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

✥ Matthew 6:3-4 NKJV - "But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly."

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: “À-fi-ọ̀rọ̀-wé-ọ̀rọ̀ ò jẹ́ kí ọ̀rọ̀ tán bọ̀rọ̀.”

INTERPRETATION: "Allowing-a-current-matter-to-remind-one-of-similar-matters-in-the-past prevents a quarrel from ending easily."

MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: Have you ever met someone who ALWAYS recalls your past mistakes in light of your present ones? How does that make you feel? That's exactly what this proverb is asking us to guard against. Let's be like our heavenly father who takes away our sins as far as the east is from the west, in spite of His ultimate knowledge of how many more times we will repeat the same mistakes. That's how the psalmist imagined the Fatherhood of God in Psalm 103. Read verses 12 to 14 for yourself below.

Scriptures Cited include:

✥ Psalm 103:12-14 VOICE

12 You see, God takes all our crimes—our seemingly inexhaustible sins—and removes them.
As far as east is from the west, He removes them from us.
13 An earthly father expresses love for his children;
it is no different with our heavenly Father;
The Eternal shows His love for those who revere Him.
14 For He knows what we are made of;
He knows our frame is frail, and He remembers we came from dust.

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Omi ló dànù, agbè ò fọ́”

INTERPRETATION: "It is the water that is spilled; the water container is not broken."

MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: This proverb is usually used in consoling someone who has experienced a loss. It's a way of shifting their perspective from the loss in itself to the fact that there is still 'something left' -- something capable of giving rise to many more of what was lost.

For the Christian, that 'something' is, above all else, Christ in us! Hence Paul writes to the Colossians, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27b)

We reflected on the Proverb in a couple of dimensions.

1. WHEN HOPE IS DEFERRED. Solomon said, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when dreams come true at last, there is life and joy." (Proverbs 13:12 TLB). We considered the possibility that God may actually use a cycle of seeming disappointments to lead us into exploring other alternatives of what we've always wanted, only to discover all along that sometimes, our 'Plan B' has been God's 'Plan A' all along!

2. HOPING AGAINST HOPE. We highlighted the case studies of Joseph and Sarah, both of who hoped in difficult circumstances (and Abraham, of course). In the case of Abraham and Sarah, we were told that they hoped against hope in the sense that inspite of Abraham's dead body and Sarah's dead womb, they judged God faithful and He came through for them. We therefore wrapped up the episode with the hope-inspiring scripture in Job 14:7-9 NKJV -- “For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And that its tender shoots will not cease. Though its root may grow old in the earth, And its stump may die in the ground, Yet at the scent of water it will bud And bring forth branches like a plant."

Scriptures Cited include:

✥ Job 14:7-9 NKJV which says "For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And that its tender shoots will not cease. Though its root may grow old in the earth, And its stump may die in the ground, Yet at the scent of water it will bud And bring forth branches like a plant."

✥ Acts 16:6-10 TLB which says "Next they traveled through Phrygia and Galatia because the Holy Spirit had told them not to go into the Turkish province of Asia Minor at that time. Then going along the borders of Mysia they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus said no. So instead they went on through Mysia province to the city of Troas. That night Paul had a vision. In his dream he saw a man over in Macedonia, Greece, pleading with him, “Come over here and help us.” Well, that settled it..."

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Erín ńtú eruku; ẹfọ̀n ńtú eruku; títú eruku àjànàkú bo tẹfọ̀n mọ́lẹ̀.”

INTERPRETATION: "The elephant raises a cloud of dust; the buffalo raises a cloud of dust; the elephant’s ability to raise dust far surpasses the buffalo’s."

MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: This proverb speaks of the fact that some things (or people) are simply incomparable, no matter the similarities they share with others. They are simply beyond all competition!

This is the context in which this proverb will be normally used. As we reflected on the proverb from a biblical point of view, a few thoughts emerged:

1. UNIQUENESS. The fact is that a buffalo will always be a buffalo and an elephant will always be an elephant. By virtue of their differing sizes, they can not raise dust to the same extent. There is no point in comparing their dust-raising capabilities. Likewise, as Apostle Paul admonishes (and as we have repeatedly shared on this podcast), "they that compare themselves with themselves are not wise." For those who follow this podcast regularly, you may notice that the subject of COMPARISON has been recurrent (especially in Season 3). This wasn't planned; it just happened! (Perhaps, God wants to keep saying the same message to us until we get it.)

2. INCOMPARABILITY. In other words, the fact that the buffalo can (seemingly) do the same thing an elephant can do (i.e. raise dust) doesn't mean that they are mates. In like manner, the fact that the devil can sometimes do certain things that are (seemingly) powerful does not mean it can be compared to God ALMIGHTY. We know that whatever powers the devil may or may not have are still within the control of the ALMIGHTY, ALL-POWERFUL God!

And in human-to-human relationships, to give a biblical example, the fact that some self-acclaimed "super-Apostles" in Corinth can show certificates validating their 'apostolic authority' (in a manner of speaking) while Apostle Paul had no such certificates or 'letters of recommendations' does not mean that their ministerial worth can be compared to Apostle Paul's! (And Paul showed them their level in Chapters 10-13 of 2 Corinthians.

Scripture Cited include:

✥ 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV says "and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

✥ Matthew 28:18 KJV says "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"

✥ 2 Corinthians 10:12 ERV says "We don’t dare put ourselves in the same class with those who think they are so important. We don’t compare ourselves to them. They use themselves to measure themselves, and they judge themselves by what they themselves are. This shows that they know nothing."

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Àtètèdáyé ò kan tọrọ̀; Ọlọ́run ní ńṣe orí owó.”

INTERPRETATION: "Primogeniture (the state of being the firstborn child) has nothing to do with wealth; it is God Who assigns wealth to (people's) destinies."

MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The proverb counsels against seeking riches by all means rather than fundamentally acknowledging the sovereignty of God in the determination of who gets 'wealthy' in life. This was discussed vis-a-vis our roles as God's children in wealth creation. 

Scripture Cited include:

✥ 2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV says "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."

✥ Matthew 26:11 NIV says "The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me."

✥ Philemon 1:6 AMP says "I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective and powerful because of your accurate knowledge of every good thing which is ours in Christ."

✥ Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV says "And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day."

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ohun tó ṣe àgùntàn tó fi kó òtútù; bó ṣe ewúrẹ́, á ṣe aláìsí.”

INTERPRETATION: "The condition that gave a sheep a cold, if it befell a goat, would result in its death."

MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The proverb warns us against being so foolhardy that we dare what others do without having what others have. It reinforces the message of avoiding to compare ourselves with others which, according to Apostle Paul, is an unwise thing to do (2 Corinthians 10:12).

From the perspective of the biblical categories of 'sheep' and 'goat', we are reminded that sheep have something most goats don't have: A SHEPHERD. We must endeavour to do life under God's shepherdhood in order to reduce our likelihood of being susceptible to harm.

Scripture Cited include:

✥ 2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV says "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise."

✥ Psalm 23:1-6 NKJV says "1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever."

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Bí a bá fi inú wénú, iwọ là ńjẹ.”

INTERPRETATION: "If we compare notes with others, we wind up eating bile."

MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: If you've ever had to kill a chicken before, you will probably be familiar with the fact that you have to carefully remove the gall bladder and dispose of it. Why? The liquid inside that green sack is extremely bitter! So this proverb is a warning that when we compare our fortunes with others', we are literally inviting bitterness into our lives. 

Apostle Paul alludes to this principle in one of his letters to the Corinthians, viz: "When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise."

Scripture Cited include:

✥ 2 Corinthians 10:12 TPT says "Of course, we wouldn’t dare to put ourselves in the same class or compare ourselves with those who rate themselves so highly. They compare themselves to one another and make up their own standards to measure themselves by, and then they judge themselves by their own standards. What self-delusion!"

✥ Proverbs 26:4-5 KJV says "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit."

✥ Proverbs 11:14 NKJV says "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety."

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ọtí gbélé ahun ó kan.”

INTERPRETATION: "Wine stays in the home of the miser until it goes sour."

MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The proverb admonishes us to share rather than hoard. To hoard is to deny oneself of the superlative indescribable joy of being the reason behind someone else's happiness. Jesus modelled this kind of generosity and we are supposed to pay it forward!

Scriptures Cited include:

• Proverbs 11:24-25 TLB says "It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself."
• Philippians 2:5-8 TPT says "And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let his mindset become your motivation. He existed in the form of God, yet he gave no thought to seizing equality with God as his supreme prize. Instead, he emptied himself of his outward glory by reducing himself to the form of a lowly servant. He became human! He humbled himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a man and was obedient. He was a perfect example, even in his death—a criminal’s death by crucifixion!"
• Hebrews 2:10b TPT says "...this is how he brings many sons and daughters to share in his glory."

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ọdọọdún nìrèké ńso.”

INTERPRETATION: "The sugarcane flourishes annually."

MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The proverb is typically used as a new year prayer for a perennial good fortune. The idea is that as surely as the sugarcane will yet again flourish in the new year, we can expect good fortune yet again! The truth is that God, in His Providence, delightfully and continuously offers us multiple opportunities to start again, dream again and hope again. Every new day, new week, new month and new year offers us this opportunity, and so thus 2022. Will you embrace the limitless opportunities this year has to offer by embracing the wisdom of this proverb?

Another tangent we considered the proverb from is based on the fact that sugarcane actually takes many months to grow and a full year to mature. In other words, the sugarcanes that cannot but flourish annually didn't sprout overnight. It takes time. This should remind us that there is a divine-timing factor that we must bear in mind for both our disappointments from the previous year and our hopes and dreams for the new year. But with God being for us, we can be assured that He is always in the business of doing new things in 'now moments,' and so we can hope for the best in the new year!

Scriptures Cited include:

• Lamentations 3:22-23 NRSV says "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
• Isaiah 43:18-19 TPT says "Stop dwelling on the past. Don’t even remember these former things. I am doing something brand new, something unheard of. Even now it sprouts and grows and matures. Don’t you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and open up flowing streams in the desert."

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Ìpọ́njú àgbẹ̀ ò ju ọdún kan."

INTERPRETATION: "A farmer’s suffering will not last longer than a year."  

MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: The proverb is based on the concept of sowing (planting) and harvesting. The understanding is that if a farmer plants and begins to suffer for lack of resources or even lack of food to eat, such a reversal in his circumstance is but for a moment. Because he has sown, he can look forward WITH HOPE to the harvest, which, in the worst-case scenario, will come in a year's time.

This brings a lot of scriptures to mind.

• Psalm 126:5 MSG says "So those who planted their crops in despair will shout “Yes!” at the harvest..." 
• Psalm 30:5 AMPC says "...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

An important question to ask, though, as Anu points out, is "In 'who' is our hope — in God or in efforts?" To have faith in yourself is to put a pressure you can't keep up with on yourself. To have faith in God, however, is to believe in the One Who is able to do and undo.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

"Prophesy Your Promise" by Bryan & Katie Torwalt 

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Àparò ò ga ju ara-a wọn lọ, àfi èyí tó gun ebè."

INTERPRETATION: "No partridge is taller than another except for those standing on earth mounds." (Earth mounds are little heaps of soil usually made with a hoe; in the farm, crops like yam and cassava are planted into the heaps.) 

MEANING & BIBLICAL APPLICATION: Usually, this proverb is said of a group of people among whom there is none that stands out. We, however, considered the proverb from the perspective of laying emphasis on the latter part of it. Yes, partridges are alike when they are all standing on the same ground, however, if one of them goes on to stand on an earth mound, such will stand out among the rest.

We considered this from the angle of SALVATION BY GRACE. All humans are alike (like partridges) in the sense that we are all sinners. Irrespective of our varying levels of self-righteousness, they all amount to filthy rags relative to God's standard of righteousness. The only way to be acceptable to God, therefore, is to stand NOT in our righteousness, but in HIS righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus made this possible by His atoning death and triumphant resurrection. Anyone who believes in Him, therefore, has, proverbially speaking, "climbed the earth mound" that makes such a person STAND OUT among others.

In the same vein, both in our secular work and our spiritual service in God's vineyard, we need to always ask ourselves, "what earth mounds do you need to climb to stand out of the rest?" As Anu urges us all, we must endeavour to avoid limiting ourselves to people's perception of us in our service to God and to men; as long as we stay in tune with the Holy Spirit obeying His every prompting, we will always stand out among our equals.

BIBLICAL REFERENCE

2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 2:12-13

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

1. Martin Luther and the Reformation
2. 95 Theses

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Bí ayé bá ńyẹni, ìwà ìbàjẹ́ là ńhù."

INTERPRETATION: "If life is being good to one, one is likely to act disgracefully."

MEANING: Prosperity (especially material-wise) comes with a temptation to misbehave.

REFLECTION: The idea this proverb posits is found all over the Bible. God repeatedly warned the Israelites of the tendency for them to forget that it was God who gave them the power to get wealth when they get to the promised land and inherited houses they didn't build and harvest in fields where they had not laboured. (And, indeed, they forgot God on multiple occasions in their history.) The same tendency is common to all humans, really.

In our exposition, we reflected on the scenario of the United Kingdom where the land of the Welsh revival of the early 20th century and the land where the likes of Charles Spurgeon preached powerfully has now become the land where there are more atheists than there are adherents of any faith. They no longer see the need for God because they tend to have most of the things that an average person in the third world will have to pray to God to get.

Likewise, Anu cited the case of a celebrity who gained weight at some point and was able to lose the weight after a while. However, rather than empathise with those who are having weight issues, she went online speaking disparagingly about such people, forgetting that she was just like that as well, not too long ago!

We concluded with the beautiful prayer in Proverbs 30:8-9 (TLB) which says, "...give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs! For if I grow rich, I may become content without God. And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name."

BIBLICAL REFERENCE: Proverbs 30:7-9

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Ojú onílá nilá ṣe ńkó."

INTERPRETATION: "It is in the presence of the okro planter that the fruits become fibrous (and inedible)."

MEANING: The negligent person will watch as his or her affairs go to ruin.

REFLECTION: When okro fruits are harvested as at when due, they are very edible and bring gain to the farmer, the seller, the buyer, the cook and the eventual consumer. But when okro fruits are not harvested at the right time, they become full of fibre on the inside, and as such, they become inedible.

We discussed this from two perspectives: finishing well, and being diligent (rather than negligent). 

• In Luke 14:28-33, Jesus highlights the need to sit down and count the cost before embarking on a project, and taking the most viable approach to execute the project, leveraging on any helpful partnerships and associations to make up for one's lack.
• In Proverbs 24:33-34, we are encouraged to follow professional work habits as antidotes to poverty.

BIBLICAL REFERENCES

• Luke 14:28-33 NIV - “28 Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ 31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."
• Proverbs 24:33-34 TPT - "Professional work habits prevent poverty from becoming your permanent business partner. And: If you put off until tomorrow the work you could do today, tomorrow never seems to come."

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: ""Níbo ló gbé wà?" nìyájú ẹkùn."

INTERPRETATION: ""Where is it?" is a great insult to the leopard."

MEANING: One should be smart enough to hide one’s ignorance about things one ought to know because there are some truths that are so self-evident that to query otherwise is to reveal one's foolishness.

REFLECTION: The idea being put forward in the word picture that informed the proverb is that the leopard is so self-important that it will take offence if anybody should ask where it was, or which it was, among other animals. The reason is that the leopard has distinctive and unmistakable features, let alone its reputation among other animals.

A case study that readily passes across the message is that of King Nebuchadnezzar in the Old Testament. In Daniel 4, we read of how God humbled him by making him experience being a beast for 7 years in order to teach him a lesson he should have known all along: there is God and He is sovereignly in charge. Indeed, anyone who denies the existence of God is denying a self-evident truth. 

BIBLICAL REFERENCE: Daniel 4

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Bí ọmọdé bá ńṣe ọmọdé, àgbà a máa ṣe àgbà."

INTERPRETATION: "When a child is being a child, an elder must remain an elder."

MEANING: One should not permit other people’s immature behaviour to deflect one from the proper course of acting maturely.

REFLECTION: The idea being put forward is that people do act according to varying levels of maturity. However, a truly wise person will not bring himself or herself low to the level of acting immaturely in reaction to someone else's immaturity. The English idiomatic equivalents can be such phrases like "That's beneath me"; "I will choose to be the adult"; or when someone says, "I will not dignify this question with an answer" (used when it is being implied that the said question is foolish or immature).

As believers, the proverb should remind us that we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) and, therefore, must always filter our actions and reactions through the sieve of WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?). We must not allow the foolish or sinful behaviours of others to cause us to act foolishly or respond sinfully. May God help us.

BIBLICAL REFERENCES

• 1 Corinthians 2:16b NIV - "we have the mind of Christ."
• 1 Corinthians 13:11 NIV - "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Ògbójú ò tẹ ara ẹ̀ nÍfá; ọ̀mọ̀ràn ò fara ẹ̀ joyè; ọ̀bẹ tó mú ò gbẹ́  ẹ̀kù ara ẹ̀"

INTERPRETATION: "The fearless person does not consult the Ifá oracle on his own behalf; the super-clever person does not enthrone himself; the sharpest knife does not carve its own handgrip."

MEANING: No matter how powerful and accomplished one might be, one will need other people for some things.

REFLECTION: 

• The ideology behind this proverb resonates with the African concept of Ubuntu ("I am because you are"). The idea is that each of us finds the utmost realisation of our humanity in the reality of being in relationship with other human beings, and, in fact, with all of creation. As such, we need one another to survive and thrive in life.
• We must, however, be cautious of the fact that whatever help or support we receive from others or even from nature is ultimately from God. There is nothing we have that we have not received from God (1 Corinthians 4:7). 
• Besides, we must endeavour to embrace the roles God has given us in life. We may not be in the spotlight and we may receive lesser recognition in certain contexts, but in all, we must gladly accept to be who God has called us to be.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES CITED: David and his "mighty men". (2 Samuel 23)

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Orúkọ ńroni; àpèjà ńroni."

INTERPRETATION: "One’s name affects one’s character; one’s war name determines how one behaves."

MEANING: To put it succinctly, people are influenced by their names.

BIBLICAL REFLECTION: This belief that people are influenced by their names is common in Biblical records, especially among the Jews. We see cases of God changing people's names and how that has a significant impact on their lives (Abram, Sarai, Jacob, Simon...). We therefore reflected on this proverb by highlighting a couple of things:

• 1. That we should see the opportunity to name our children as an opportunity to speak prophetically into their destinies.
• 2. That names can be weapons of war, and so we should not be flippant in the names we give our kids.
• 3. That we should embrace the opportunity to articulate what we know of God (or what we desire from Him) in self-coined names which we ascribe to Him.
• 4. That we should appreciate and engage with music, poetry and other art forms that can help us conceptualise God in deep expressions in our native languages.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES CITED

1. Peter. (Matthew 16:13-20)
2. Jabez. (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)

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PROVERB CONSIDERED: "Ojú àlejò la ti ńjẹ gbèsè; ẹ̀hìn-in ẹ̀ là ńsan án"

INTERPRETATION: "It is in a visitor’s presence that one gets into debt; it is in her absence that one repays the debt."

MEANING: One does not estimate how much hospitality is costing until one’s visitor has departed.

BIBLICAL REFLECTION: Among other things, this proverb reminds us of the fact that HOSPITALITY HAS A PRICE. In spite of the price, however, both the African worldview and biblical command instruct believers to be hospitable. The wisdom of the proverb, therefore, is to remind ourselves not to 'overdo' in being hospitable to others. One way this can be done is by reminding ourselves WHO we are trying to please by our hospitality — man or God? If we put this in perspective, we won't unnecessarily 'overdo' in order to make an impression on fellow humans. Anu offered some practical tips on how this could be done. 

BIBLE VERSE CITED: Hebrews 13:2 (AMPC) says "Do not forget or neglect or refuse to extend hospitality to strangers [in the brotherhood—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it."

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