Proverbs are words of wisdom that African use to communicate effectively. They sometimes use it to code their words for those who do not understand it.
Hardly is there any African who doesn't know or cannot use proverb while communicating.
Our parents use them to caution and advise us when necessary. When we don't understand their meanings, they explain it to us.
This is how Africans pass this knowledge from one generation to the other. This ensures they continue to be relevant.
Charity begins at home is an African proverb that reminds us of the importance of being responsible to our family and friends.
It tells us the importance of taking care of our friends and importantly family.
When someone act in a way that is against the communal idea of Africa, the proverb is used to remind the person that he/she needs to take care of his home before he/she can take care of others outside his family.
My mom always use this proverb on me to remind me that i must take good care of my sisters and help them first before i can extend such to outsiders.
The truth is, if one can develop that mentality to be responsible at home, it is much easier to be responsible outside.
So Africans truly know what they are doing. They try to build that kindness within the family, friends and then expect such to spread to others if we all act responsibly to our families.
So remember always that you need to cultivate the habit of helping family and friends and then extend it to outsiders.
If you are loved and respected at home, it is much easier to get similar love, care and respect outside.
So in whatever you do, be responsible to your friends, family and then those around you.
We live by lifting others and stay top when others are lifted.
Thanks for your time.