Omoluabi Podcast

S2E02 - A Proverb on OUR NEED FOR OTHERS - "Ògbójú ò tẹ ara ẹ̀ nÍfá; ọ̀mọ̀ràn ò fara ẹ̀ joyè; ọ̀bẹ tó mú ò gbẹ́ ẹ̀kù ara ẹ̀"

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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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      Omoluabi PodcastBy Joseph and Anu Ola