Much of Africa's history has been passed on through the generations orally. One consequence of this is that morals and lessons have been crystallized in the form of proverbs. Here is a collection of proverbs attributed to the people of Ethiopia.

• Anticipating something good doubles the enjoyment.
• A good person earns more than just wages.
• Even if you watch them carefully, small boys can disappear like smoke.

• Do not blame God for creating the Tiger, be thankful he didn't give him wings.
• What the parents discuss on an evening, the child will reveal in the morning.
• An old pot makes sweeter water and boils much faster.
• Powerful friends can become even more powerful foes.
• Evil starts like the prick of a needle and spreads like a tree.
• Dogs bark only after the hyena has passed.
• Only a fool looks for dung where the cattle doesn't graze.
• Don't take a taste of the honey if it is lying on a thorn.
• A fool would be thirsty at the edge of a lake.
• It is easy to lie about a distant place.
• Even if you are exceptionably knowledgeable, do not disagree with a judge.
• If you can afford to wait, even an egg will grow legs.
• The person who proposed the exchange knows which is the better item.