PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ajá tó rí mótò tó dúró fi ara-a rè bọ Ògún.”
(Translation: A dog that sees a motor vehicle and stands in its way makes itself a sacrifice to Ògún.)

Context:

• In Yoruba culture, Ògún is the deity of iron and the patron deity for hunters (because of all the metallic intruments they use); one of Ògún's favourite sacrifices is dogs.

• The proverb warns against ignoring obvious dangers. A dog that recklessly stands before a moving car is doomed to destruction, becoming an “unnecessary sacrifice.”

• The heart of the proverb is about taking unnecessary risks.

• The lesson: heed warnings, practise foresight, and avoid self-inflicted harm.

Biblical Connections & Applications:

• Proverbs 22:3 – “A prudent man foresees danger and hides himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.”

• Proverbs 28:1 – “The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” (Yet boldness without prudence is foolishness.)

• Acts 1:4 – Jesus told the disciples to “wait for the promise of the Father”—a reminder to pause and heed spiritual guidance.

• Proverbs 6:6–8 – The wisdom of ants gathering food in summer teaches preparation and foresight.

• Lamentations 3:27 – It is good to bear responsibility early, preparing for future challenges.

Practical Takeaways:

• Ignorance or overconfidence can make us blind to danger. Avoid the “confidence that only ignorance can supply.”

• Do not ignore red flags in relationships, careers, or spiritual life; danger ignored today can destroy tomorrow.

• Don’t toy with sin or assume grace will shield you from its consequences.

• Learn from the wisdom of older generations rather than dismissing their experiences.

• Be proactive in practical matters (e.g., renewing visas, planning ahead) instead of leaving things until it is too late.

• Take time to pause, listen, and follow the checks of the Spirit before making big decisions.

Episode Title: A Proverb on Taking Advantage of Others

Proverb (Yorùbá): “Bí yó ṣe èmi, bí yó ṣe ìwọ, kì í jẹ́ ká ṣu sóko a-láì-rójú. ”
Translation: It-might-happen-to-me, it-might-happen-to-you stops one from defecating on the farm of the person who has no time to tend it.
Meaning: One should not take advantage of the weak, for no one knows what the future might hold.

Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about the act of defaecation (poo or faeces) in the context of an African proverb.

Cultural background:

• In traditional Yoruba communities, without modern toilets, people would go into bushes to relieve themselves. Farmers might prefer to use untended or bushy farms for privacy and to keep their own farms clean.
• The proverb recognises the temptation to take advantage of a neighbour’s untended farm. At first, it may appear to target laziness, but it also highlights the reality of áìrójú (lack of time), which in Yoruba culture is something people pray against—asking God for enough time and space to live well.
• At its heart, the proverb teaches empathy and thoughtfulness:

• Biblical Connections & Applications:

  • Proverbs 26:27 – “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.” Actions have consequences.

  • Matthew 7:12 – The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

  • Ecclesiastes 11:1 – “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.” What you sow, you will eventually reap.

    Proverbs 26:15–19 – Warnings against laziness, meddling, and trickery toward neighbours.

• LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:

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  ✥ Other Platforms — ⁠https://pod.link/1550735589⁠

  FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA:

  Explore additional resources and content from Joseph and Anu Ola on various platforms:

  ✥ Linktree —⁠ ⁠https://linktr.ee/josephola⁠⁠

  JOIN THE OMOLUABI COMMUNITY: Stay connected with us as we journey together towards becoming true Omoluabis — people of character and wisdom. You can like our Facebook page at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/omoluabipodcast/⁠⁠⁠ or join Alive Mentorship Group at ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/alivementorship⁠. If you have African proverbs you'd like us to discuss in future episodes, you can submit them through our website — ⁠https://www.josephkolawole.org/contact⁠ or reach out on social media.

  Till next time, remain an Omoluabi.

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 7 Episode 2

A Proverb on Hope and Patience

Proverb:Ó pẹ́ títí aboyún, oṣù mẹ́sàn-án. (Translation: "The longest respite for the pregnant woman is nine months.")

Key Takeaway:This episode delves into an African proverb about pregnancy, using it as a lens to explore biblical themes ofhope, patience, andperseverance during challenging times. The proverb emphasises thatwaiting periods, like pregnancy, have definite endpoints,bringing into perspective the popular saying,"This Too Shall Pass."

Although pregnancy might seem like a pause from regular life, it brings its own unique challenges while leading to a transformative new beginning. Through this metaphor, we draw powerful parallels between pregnancy and other life challenges, demonstrating thatevery difficult season eventually concludes, ushering in either relief or new obstacles to overcome. By weaving together these themes with biblical teachings on faith and endurance, the episode encourages listeners to maintain hope during trials, trust in God's guidance, and stay focused on positive outcomes even when facing significant hardships.

Scriptural References:

• Romans 5:5 – Hope that does not disappoint
• Psalm 79:9 – Asking for God's help
• 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 – Temporary struggles vs. Eternal glory
• James 1:2-4 – Joy in trials and developing patience

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 7 Episode 1

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ní teere, ní tèèrè, Ṣàngó ṣe bẹ́ẹ̀ ó jó wọjà.” (Translation: Erratically and imperceptibly, Shango continued to dance until he was at the market.)

Context:

• The proverb uses the imagery of Shango, the Yoruba deity of thunder and lightning, known for his erratic and unpredictable dance moves.
• The proverb highlights how seemingly small, unnoticeable actions, performed consistently, can lead to significant and sometimes irreversible outcomes.
• Dancing into the marketplace in Yoruba culture signifies reaching a point of no return.

Biblical Connections & Applications:

• Songs of Solomon 2:15 -"Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes."
• John 15:1-8 - Jesus as the true vine and God the Father as the keeper of the vineyard, emphasising the importance of bearing good fruit.
• Psalm 90:12 -"Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom."
• Ephesians 5:15-17 MSG -"So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants."
• 1 Peter 5:8 -"Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
• Isaiah 5:1-7 - God is disappointed when His vineyard yields sour grapes despite His care.

Practical Takeaways:

• Regularly reflect on your progress and make necessary adjustments.
• Practice small, consistent actions to achieve larger goals (e.g., the one-penny challenge).
• Be aware of subtle distractions and temptations("little foxes") that can derail you.
• Strive to bear good fruit in your life, reflecting God's work in you.

Book Recommendation:Atomic Habits by James Clear

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 6 Episode 6

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Alájàpá ò lẹ́ran láyà..” (Translation: "The tortoise has no flesh on its chest.")

REFLECTION

Some expectations are plainly futile! It is pretty obvious that the turtle's chest is always hard. As such, it is futile to be seeking flesh from that part of the turtle's body.But where is the place of faith in a God that can do all things?

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:

✥ Our Website —⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi⁠

✥ Other Platforms — ⁠https://pod.link/1550735589⁠

FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA:

Explore additional resources and content from Joseph and Anu Ola on various platforms:

✥ Linktree —⁠ ⁠https://linktr.ee/josephola⁠⁠

✥ Disha Page —⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://josephola.disha.page/⁠⁠

JOIN THE OMOLUABI COMMUNITY: Stay connected with us as we journey together towards becoming true Omoluabis — people of character and wisdom. You can like our Facebook page at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/omoluabipodcast/⁠⁠⁠ or join Alive Mentorship Group at ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/alivementorship⁠. If you have African proverbs you'd like us to discuss in future episodes, you can submit them through our website — ⁠https://www.josephkolawole.org/contact⁠ or reach out on social media.

Till next time, remain an Omoluabi.

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 6 Episode 5

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ajá tó máa rún ọkà á láyà; ológbò to máa jẹ àkèré á ki ojú bọ omi.” (Translation: "A dog that will chew dried corn must be brave; a cat that will eat a frog will dip its face in water.")

REFLECTION

Dogs' teeth aren't suited to chewing corn, so they risk dental damage by doing so. Similarly, a cat's pursuit of frogs can be perilous. The proverb therefore reminds us that, in life, getting what you really want often comes at a price. Great achievements require great dedication. Extraordinary feats demand extraordinary effort. To conquer a significant challenge, one must exert considerable force. As such, we reflected on the above proverb emphasising the need to start embracing this principle of "paying the price" right from when we are young! As Lamentations 3:27 says, "it is good for people to submit at an early age to the yoke of his discipline" (NLT). We also reflected on examples of what this has looked like in our own lives.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:

✥ Our Website — ⁠https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi

✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589

FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA:

Explore additional resources and content from Joseph and Anu Ola on various platforms:

✥ Linktree — ⁠https://linktr.ee/josephola⁠

✥ Disha Page — ⁠https://josephola.disha.page/⁠

JOIN THE OMOLUABI COMMUNITY: Stay connected with us as we journey together towards becoming true Omoluabis — people of character and wisdom. You can like our Facebook page at ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/omoluabipodcast/⁠⁠ or join Alive Mentorship Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/alivementorship. If you have African proverbs you'd like us to discuss in future episodes, you can submit them through our website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/contact or reach out on social media.

Till next time, remain an Omoluabi.

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 6 Episode 4

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Obìnrin-ín tẹ ìlú, ó tú.” (Translation: "A woman founds a town, and it scatters.")

REFLECTION

Even though the proverb is superficially misogynistic, it points beyond this to the need for both genders for the flourishing of humanity in any community. Have a listen for our thoughts on this!

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:

✥ Our Website — ⁠https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi

✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589

FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA:

Explore additional resources and content from Joseph and Anu Ola on various platforms:

✥ Linktree — ⁠https://linktr.ee/josephola⁠

✥ Disha Page — ⁠https://josephola.disha.page/⁠

JOIN THE OMOLUABI COMMUNITY: Stay connected with us as we journey together towards becoming true Omoluabis — people of character and wisdom. You can like our Facebook page at ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/omoluabipodcast/⁠⁠ or join Alive Mentorship Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/alivementorship. If you have African proverbs you'd like us to discuss in future episodes, you can submit them through our website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/contact or reach out on social media.

Till next time, remain an Omoluabi.

Omoluabi Podcast | Season 6 Episode 3

PROVERB CONSIDERED: “Ẹṣín dára ó ku aré; èèyán dára ó ku ìwà; ajá òyìnbó dára ó ku àtidẹ.”(Translation: “The horse looks great but lacks speed; the man is handsome but lacks character; the European dog is good-looking but cannot hunt.”)

REFLECTION

• We all have weaknesses. No man is an island.
• What we lack is made up for through the gift of community.
• We should not judge by outward appearance.
• We should work on becoming better in our areas of deficiencies.


LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:

✥ Our Website — ⁠https://www.josephkolawole.org/omoluabi

✥ Other Platforms — https://pod.link/1550735589

FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM JOSEPH & ANU OLA:

Explore additional resources and content from Joseph and Anu Ola on various platforms:

✥ Linktree — ⁠https://linktr.ee/josephola⁠

✥ Disha Page — ⁠https://josephola.disha.page/⁠

JOIN THE OMOLUABI COMMUNITY: Stay connected with us as we journey together towards becoming true Omoluabis — people of character and wisdom. You can like our Facebook page at ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/omoluabipodcast/⁠⁠ or join Alive Mentorship Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/alivementorship. If you have African proverbs you'd like us to discuss in future episodes, you can submit them through our website — https://www.josephkolawole.org/contact or reach out on social media.

Till next time, remain an Omoluabi.