Unlikely Proverbs

Proverbs. Sometimes they can be a little difficult to comprehend. I came across some unique proverbs recently. Here are a few from the African Continent:

• A man does not wander far from where his corn is roasting. (Nigeria)
  
• The hunter does not rub himself in oil and lie by the fire to sleep. (Nigeria)
• Even the mightiest eagle comes down to the tree tops to rest. (Uganda)
  
• A ripe melon falls by itself. (Zimbabwe)

According to The Free Dictionary, proverbs are short pithy saying in frequent and widespread use that expresses a basic truth or practical precept. These African proverbs sound foreign to us, but even outside of their culture we can guess at the meaning.

• We're never too far from our roots.
  
• Using Common sense avoids tragedy.
  
• We're all alike in many ways.
  
• Good things come in time.

An entire book of scripture is dedicated to Proverbs, but the other day I was impressed with short pithy sayings not from the hand of Solomon, but from the lips of the Forgiver.

• Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.
  
• Whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
  
• If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
  
• If you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?
  
• No servant can serve two masters.
  

Luke 16:10-13

As leaders we don't need to guess at what the Leader was expressing in these proverbs. They are transparent truths revealing the integrity of character in every leader.

• Trustworthy in little things
  
• Honest in the smallest matters
  
• Faithful t in financial matters
  
• Responsible with trusts
  
• Single-mindedly committed to God
  

The Pharisees scoffed at this (Luke 16:14). Do we? Do I?